Salad Rolls with Pumpkin and Tofu

Salad Rolls with Pumpkin and Tofu Recipe from Vietnam

Region / culture: Vietnam | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Salad rolls with pumpkin and tofu are a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. These rolls are filled with a flavorful combination of tofu, pumpkin, fresh vegetables, and herbs, all wrapped up in a delicate rice wrapper. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

History

Salad rolls, also known as summer rolls or fresh rolls, are a traditional Vietnamese dish that dates back centuries. Originally made with shrimp, pork, or beef, salad rolls have evolved over time to include a variety of fillings, including tofu and vegetables. The addition of pumpkin in this recipe adds a unique twist to the classic dish, providing a sweet and savory flavor.

Ingredients

30 ml peanut or sesame oil
175 g tofu
4 shallots
2 cloves of garlic
350 g pumpkin flesh, cut into strips
1 carrot
15 ml soy sauce
3 - 4 green Thai chilies, seeded and finely sliced
1 head of lettuce, torn
1 bunch of fresh basil, stalks removed
115 g roasted peanuts
100 ml hoisin sauce
20 dried rice wrappers
salt, to taste
0.25 tsp Nuoc Cham (optional, as a dipping sauce)

How to prepare

Cook the tofu in a pan with oil.
Transfer the tofu to a plate and cut it into thin strips.
Sauté the shallots and garlic.
Add the pumpkin and carrot, then pour in the soy sauce and 0.5 cup of water.
Add a little salt to taste and cook gently until the vegetables have softened but still have a bite to them.
Meanwhile, arrange the tofu, chilies, lettuce, basil, roasted peanuts, and hoisin sauce in separate dishes.
Fill a bowl with hot water and place it in the middle of the table, or fill a small bowl for each person and place the stack of rice wrappers beside it.
To eat, take a rice wrapper and dip it in the water for a few seconds to soften. Lay the wrapper flat on the table or on a plate and, just off center, spread a few strips of lettuce, followed by the pumpkin mixture, some tofu, a sprinkling of chilies, a drizzle of hoisin sauce, some basil leaves, and peanuts, layering the ingredients in a neat stack.
Pull the shorter edge of the wrapper (the side with filling on it) up over the stack, tuck in the sides, and roll into a tight cylinder.

Variations

Substitute the pumpkin with sweet potato or butternut squash for a different flavor profile.
Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Use different herbs such as mint or cilantro for a fresh and aromatic twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the tofu and vegetables into thin strips to make them easier to roll up in the rice wrappers.

- Use a non-stick pan to cook the tofu to prevent it from sticking.

- Make sure to soften the rice wrappers in warm water before filling and rolling them to prevent them from tearing.

- Customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and sauces to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the salad rolls with a side of Nuoc Cham dipping sauce for added flavor. Pair them with a refreshing cucumber salad or a bowl of hot and sour soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the tofu until it is golden brown and crispy for added texture.

- Steam the pumpkin and carrots for a softer and more tender filling.

- Roll the salad rolls tightly to prevent them from falling apart when eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tempeh or seitan instead of tofu for a different plant-based protein option.

- Replace the hoisin sauce with peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for a different flavor.

- Swap the rice wrappers with lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling ingredients in advance and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the salad rolls by soaking the rice wrappers in warm water and filling them with the prepared ingredients.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for a beautiful presentation. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce and a wedge of lime for squeezing.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the salad rolls with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea. For a non-alcoholic option, serve them with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lime juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently steam the rolls for a few minutes until warmed through, or enjoy them cold as a refreshing snack.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of salad rolls with pumpkin and tofu contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a light and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of salad rolls with pumpkin and tofu contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of the carbohydrates come from the pumpkin, carrots, and rice wrappers.

Fats

Each serving of salad rolls with pumpkin and tofu contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The fat content primarily comes from the sesame oil, tofu, and peanuts.

Proteins

Each serving of salad rolls with pumpkin and tofu contains approximately 8 grams of protein. The protein comes from the tofu and peanuts in the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Salad rolls with pumpkin and tofu are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. These nutrients are primarily found in the pumpkin, carrots, lettuce, and basil.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (from the tofu), peanuts, and sesame oil, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Salad rolls with pumpkin and tofu are a nutritious and balanced meal option that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. They are a great way to incorporate more vegetables and plant-based protein into your diet.

Summary

Salad rolls with pumpkin and tofu are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, plant-based protein, and flavorful herbs, these rolls are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy them as a light lunch, dinner, or appetizer for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a sunny day in September, and I had decided to take a stroll through the local farmers market in search of some fresh ingredients for dinner. As I wandered through the stalls, I came across a little stand that was selling all sorts of unique vegetables and herbs.

One particular item caught my eye - a beautiful, vibrant orange pumpkin. The farmer behind the stand told me that it was a special variety, perfect for roasting or adding to salads. Intrigued, I decided to purchase one and take it home with me.

That evening, as I was flipping through an old cookbook looking for inspiration, I remembered the pumpkin I had bought earlier that day. I decided to try something new and create a salad using the pumpkin as a key ingredient. As I chopped, roasted, and tossed the various components together, a delicious and fragrant dish began to take shape before my eyes.

The final touch came when I added some crispy cubes of tofu to the mix. The combination of the sweet, caramelized pumpkin with the savory, crunchy tofu was a match made in culinary heaven. I knew I had stumbled upon something truly unique and special.

The next day, I shared my creation with a few close friends who were visiting for lunch. They all raved about the dish and begged me for the recipe. I happily obliged, jotting down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap of paper for each of them to take home.

From that day on, my Salad Rolls with Pumpkin and Tofu became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I continued to refine and perfect the dish, adding new elements and flavors to keep it fresh and exciting. Each time I made it, I thought back to that sunny day at the farmers market and the serendipitous discovery of that beautiful pumpkin.

As I grew older, I began to pass on the recipe to my grandchildren, eager to share the joy and satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. I taught them how to choose the perfect pumpkin, how to roast it to perfection, and how to assemble the salad rolls with care and precision.

One day, my eldest grandchild approached me with a big smile on their face. They had taken the recipe I had taught them and added their own twist, incorporating some herbs and spices they had discovered on their own culinary adventures. The result was a new and improved version of my beloved Salad Rolls with Pumpkin and Tofu.

I was overjoyed and proud to see my grandchild carrying on the tradition of experimenting and creating in the kitchen. I knew that the recipe I had stumbled upon all those years ago had become much more than just a dish - it was a legacy, a connection between generations, a symbol of love and creativity.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude and contentment. The simple act of discovering a new ingredient at the farmers market had sparked a chain of events that had brought so much joy and fulfillment into my life.

I can only hope that my grandchildren will continue to cherish and pass on this recipe, sharing it with their own friends and family for years to come. Because, in the end, it's not just about the food itself - it's about the memories, the stories, and the love that goes into creating something truly special. And that, my dears, is the true magic of cooking.