Hello world, Amal Ibrahim here! Today’s recipe is one that’s very close to my heart. As a Somali woman, food has always been a major part of my culture. I grew up watching my grandmother cook, and started helping her in the kitchen as soon as I was able to. Today’s dish, Rainbow Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Mango Dipping Sauce, is a perfect example of how I blend my love for Somali cuisine with my passion for international flavors. It’s healthy, delicious, and packed with colorful veggies – what’s not to love?
Amal grew up in a small village in Somalia, where she learned to love cooking from her grandmother. With a passion for travel, she has spent years exploring different cuisines and creating her own unique recipes. When she’s not in the kitchen, you can find her reading or practicing yoga.
Amal Ibrahim currently resides in the United States and grew up in Somalia.
Spring rolls are actually believed to have originated in China, over 2000 years ago! The story goes that a Chinese emperor wanted a way to eat pancakes without getting his hands dirty. So he had chefs create thin pancakes, which could be filled with a variety of ingredients and rolled up neatly. The idea quickly spread throughout China and beyond. Today, spring rolls are popular all over the world, with each culture adding their own unique twist. I’ve come up with my own creative take on this classic, using a mix of fresh veggies, rice noodles, and a sweet-savory dipping sauce.
It’s more important than ever to eat healthy, and Rainbow Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Mango Dipping Sauce is the perfect dish to help you do just that. With the pandemic still raging on, many of us are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But taking the time to cook a delicious, colorful meal can be a great way to boost your mood and your health. Eating fresh, nutrient-rich veggies has been shown to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve mental health. Plus, sitting down to enjoy a flavorful meal with loved ones can be a much-needed break from the stress of daily life.
What you need
If you’re looking for a fresh and colorful dish that’s both healthy and delicious, you simply have to try these Rainbow Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Mango Dipping Sauce! The combination of crispy veggies, rice noodles, and sweet mango is absolutely heavenly. And the best part? You can customize the filling to your taste, using whatever veggies you have on hand. The julienned carrots, red bell pepper, and cabbage complement each other perfectly, and the mint adds a refreshing touch. Don’t let rolling these little gems intimidate you – it’s actually quite fun once you get the hang of it! Just make sure not to over-soak the rice paper wrappers, and don’t overfill them. The Sweet Chili Mango Dipping Sauce is the perfect accompaniment, and you won’t be able to resist dipping and munching away! The recipe is gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly, so all your guests can enjoy it. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch, and it’s sure to brighten up any table it’s served on. Give it a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients:
- Rice paper wrappers – These thin and translucent wrappers are used to hold the filling ingredients together. Non toasted ones are used for this recipe to keep it gluten-free. If you can’t find rice paper, you can substitute with soy wrappers or lettuce leaves.
- Carrots – Carrots are a great source of vitamins and add a sweet crunch to the rolls. You can swap with other julienned vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper or daikon radish.
- Red bell pepper – Red bell peppers are sweet, crunchy and very flavorful. You can swap with green or yellow bell pepper or use sliced jalapeños or serranos for a spicy version.
- Cabbage – Cabbage adds a crispy texture and freshness to the rolls. You can swap with romaine lettuce, kale, or bok choy.
- Mango – Mango adds a sweet tropical flavor and juicy texture to the rolls. You can replace with ripe papaya, pineapple or peach for a different flavor.
- Fresh mint leaves – Mint leaves give a fresh and aromatic flavor to the rolls. You can also use basil, cilantro or parsley leaves.
- Rice vermicelli noodles – Rice vermicelli noodles are very thin and delicate. They add a filling element to the rolls without adding any heaviness. You can swap with glass noodles or omit them if you want to go low-carb or gluten-free.
- Sweet chili sauce – This sweet and sour sauce is amazing for dipping the spring rolls in. You can find it in most supermarkets or make your own by whisking together sugar, vinegar, chili paste and cornstarch.
- Mango puree – Mango puree adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the sweet chili sauce. You can replace with other fruit puree like peach, pineapple or apricot.
Utensils:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler – Optional. If you prefer to julienne the carrots using the knife, you don’t need a peeler.
- Bowl with warm water
- Tongs – Optional. You can use your hands to handle the rice paper.
Mango, the tropical superstar
Mango is my absolute favorite fruit. The sweet and juicy flesh is a perfect match for the crispy vegetables and fresh mint in these spring rolls. Did you know that mango is actually the most consumed fruit in the world? It’s not surprising given its wonderful flavor and versatility. Mango is also packed with nutrition – it’s a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. However, it’s important to eat in moderation as it is high in natural sugars. In this recipe, the amount is just right to satisfy my sweet tooth without going overboard. I can’t wait for you to taste the combination of the sweet mango and the tangy sweet chili sauce – it’s simply divine!
Rice paper wrappers, the delicate yet sturdy ingredient
Rice paper is a super versatile ingredient that can be used for a variety of dishes. It’s thin and delicate yet surprisingly sturdy once it’s moistened. I love how it engulfs the rainbow of vegetables and rice vermicelli noodles, looking like a mini work of art. The best part is that it’s gluten-free, and it’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivity. Rice paper is made from rice flour, water, and salt, making it an all-natural and low-fat choice. With just a bit of practice, rolling rice paper becomes second nature. I love the tactile sensation of dipping and rolling it in the warm water, and creating neat little parcels filled with goodies. In short, rice paper is a satisfying ingredient that is both fun to use and versatile enough to be used in a range of creative dishes.
What to serve it with?
I love to serve these Rainbow Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Mango Dipping Sauce as an appetizer or a light lunch. They’re perfect as a standalone dish, but can also be paired with a variety of other foods. One of my favorite things to serve alongside these spring rolls is a hot cup of Somali tea. The tea is a mixture of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, and is often served with sugar and milk. The spice and sweetness of the tea pairs perfectly with the fresh, crisp flavors of the rainbow spring rolls. It’s a perfect combination, and always brings comfort and nostalgia to my heart.
Summary
That’s it for today’s recipe featuring Rainbow Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Mango Dipping Sauce! I hope you enjoy making and eating these colorful and delicious rolls as much as I do. I’d love to hear from you – what’s your favorite unique filling combination to use for spring rolls? Do you have any modifications to the dipping sauce that you think might work well? Let’s get talking in the comments section below! And don’t forget to tag me on social media if you decide to make this recipe – I’d love to see your creations! Thanks for tuning in, and I look forward to sharing more of my favorite recipes with you all soon. Happy cooking!
Here’s the recipe:
Colorful Rainbow Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Mango Dipping Sauce
Equipment
- cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Bowl with warm water
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 8 sheets Rice paper wrappers
- 1 large, julienned Carrots
- 1 large, julienned Red bell pepper
- 1/4 head, thinly sliced Cabbage
- 1 large, julienned Mango
- 8-10 Fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 pack, cooked Rice vermicelli noodles
- 1/4 cup Sweet chili sauce
- 1/4 cup Mango puree
Instructions
- Prepare the filling ingredients - Julienne the carrots, red bell pepper, and mango. Thinly slice the cabbage. Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Roughly chop the mint leaves. Arrange the filling ingredients on a plate or a cutting board, and have them ready to fill the spring rolls. - You can prepare the filling ingredients up to a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Make sure to keep the ingredients separate so that they don't get mixed up.
- Soften the rice paper wrappers - Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 5 seconds, until it softens and becomes pliable. Be careful not to over-soak as it will become too soft and will be difficult to handle. Gently shake off any excess water and place the rice paper wrapper on a clean work surface. - If your work surface is not too wet, you can place the wrappers directly on it. Alternatively, you can use a damp kitchen towel or a silicone mat.
- Fill and roll the spring rolls - Arrange a small amount of each filling ingredient in the center of the rice paper wrapper. Fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the filling, then fold the sides over, tucking them in snugly. Roll the wrapper tightly until the filling is completely enclosed. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. Serve the spring rolls immediately with the sweet chili mango dipping sauce. - Don't overfill the spring rolls as it will be difficult to roll them tightly. You can adjust the amount of filling to your preference, but use a similar amount for each wrapper to achieve uniform rolls.
- Make the sweet chili mango dipping sauce - In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce and mango puree until well combined. Adjust the amount of sauce to your preference. Serve the dipping sauce alongside the spring rolls for dipping. - Make sure the mango puree is ripe and smooth to achieve the desired consistency of the sauce. You can adjust the amount of chili sauce depending on your taste preference, start with less and add more if needed.
