A fresh, warm, and crunchy spring roll reminds me of being back in Edmonton, Alberta. Where my mom would make spring rolls for me and my family, to have as a side with our dinner. The way my mom would make these savory rolls, is that it would contain vegetables, herbs, seafoods and meats inside the roll, which gives it a crispy, sweet, and salty taste. Dipping sauces also add a tangy and slightly spicy taste to the spring rolls. Even though spring rolls originate from China, it is a worldwide delicious appetizer to have when waiting for the main meal, just like how my mom would have them ready while we waited for the main meal.
How are springs rolls made?
Major types of spring rolls are made by preparing fillings. These fillings can contain a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, proteins (such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu), and vermicelli noodles. After that, rice paper wrappers are soaked in warm water, until its flexible. The fillings are then stacked in the center of the soft rice paper wrapper. Then the sides of the rice paper wrapper are folded in, to enclose the fillings. Finally, a spring roll is ready to be eaten.
Are spring rolls healthy?
Spring rolls can be a healthy option, if you don't get fried spring rolls due to high calories and fats from its frying process. Fresh spring rolls are a healthy choice due to it containing vegetables, herbs, and proteins wrapped in rice paper. They are low in calories, high in nutrients, that provides fibers, and vitamins. Also for a vegan choice, just remove the proteins like pork or shrimp.
The origin of spring rolls
Spring rolls originate from China, back in the fourth century, which was during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Spring rolls were originally served as a seasonal dish during a spring festival, which represented the beginning of spring and the coming of harvest. But over time, other countries in Southeast Asia adopted spring rolls, and made them with their local ingredients. Now they are global favorites, that are eaten in various ways.
Different varieties of Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are a fresh, warm, crunchy appetizer that is enjoyed around the world. So, with that saying, there are different varieties of spring rolls from other places, that have different ingredients and have similarities.
Chinese spring rolls are typically filled with vegetables (cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts), proteins (pork or shrimp). Then the wrapped roll is deep fried until golden crisp. Harumaki are the Japanese version of spring rolls. they are like Chinese spring rolls but have the addition of vegetables like mushrooms and bamboo shoots.
Goi cuon is the Vietnamese version of a spring roll. It offers a fresh and healthy alternative to their fried roll. They are made with rice paper wrappers and are filled with fresh herbs, rice vermicelli, proteins (shrimp or pork), and vegetables (lettuce and cucumbers). Popiah Sod is the Thai version of a spring rolls. They are like the Vietnamese Goi Cuon but have the addition tofu. Then they are wrapped in a soft rice paper or wheat wrapper.
What are like Spring Rolls?
While spring rolls is a wrapped rice pastry filled with meats and vegetables, there are similar dishes that based on spring rolls but made into their own food. One of these variations is a summer roll that is of Vietnamese origin. Summer rolls are like spring rolls but is wrapped in a translucent rice-wrapper and served cold instead. Another similar dish is an egg roll, which is a favourite in American Chinese restaurants. Egg Rolls is like spring rolls, but it’s wrapped with a thick wheat flour pastry with the addition of eggs, and then it is deep-fried. These other variations of spring rolls are similar, but they have their own unique twist and tastes.
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