Simple Vegan Summer Rolls

Cool down this summer with these vibrant and flavourful Vegan Summer Rolls. Packed with crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and satisfying smoked tofu, they’re a delightful blend of textures and tastes. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you creating beautiful, flavourful rolls perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a stunning starter. Skip the heavy meals and embrace the lightness and flavour of these simple yet satisfying Vegan Summer Rolls.

😋 Why you’ll love this recipe!

Get ready to fall head over heels for these vibrant and flavourful Vegan Summer Rolls! Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to:

• Fresh and Vibrant: Packed with crunchy veggies and fragrant herbs, these summer rolls are a burst of freshness in every bite. 
• Healthy and Nutritious: We’re talking wholesome ingredients bursting with goodness! These rolls are naturally low in fat and calories. With each roll under 100 calories and a whopping 7 grams of protein!
• Quick and Easy: Forget slaving away in the kitchen! These summer rolls are surprisingly quick to assemble.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative and personalise your rolls with your favourite veggies and herbs. The possibilities are endless!

📝 Ingredient notes

Smoked Tofu: This is our protein powerhouse! Smoked tofu adds a lovely depth of flavour and a satisfying chewy texture. As we’re using it raw it’s important to use the firmest tofu you can find. You could also use baked or marinated tofu if you prefer, just aim for something with a bit of flavour.

Red Cabbage: A vibrant splash of colour and a good source of Vitamin C. Red cabbage also offers a lovely crunch. Feel free to substitute with regular green cabbage if you need to.

Cucumber: Essential for that cool, refreshing element in every bite. Cucumbers are mostly water, so they’re perfect for hydrating summer rolls.

Lettuce: We’re after a crisp lettuce here, like iceberg or romaine. It adds another layer of texture and freshness. Little Gem lettuce would also work well.

Carrot: Carrots bring sweetness and another satisfying crunch. They’re also packed with beta-carotene, which is great for healthy skin.

Rice Paper: The magic ingredient that holds it all together! Rice paper is gluten-free and becomes pliable when soaked in warm water.

Mint: A must-have for summer rolls! Mint delivers a refreshing, aromatic burst that complements the other flavours perfectly.

Basil: Another fragrant herb that adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful aroma. Thai basil is particularly delicious if you can find it.

🥣 How to make Vegan Summer Rolls

1. Prep the Ingredients: Chop all the vegetables – red cabbage, cucumber, and carrots – into thin julienne strips or matchsticks. Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size for even rolling. Finely slice the cabbage as thinly as possible. Also, chop the smoked tofu into thin strips and roughly chop the mint and basil. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the rolling process much smoother.

2. Soak the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with cold water. Submerge one rice paper sheet in the water for around 10-15 seconds. The exact soaking time will depend on the brand of rice paper, so you may need to experiment a bit. The rice paper should be pliable but not overly soft or it will tear. Remember, it will continue to soften slightly after you remove it from the water.

3. Assemble the Summer Rolls: Place the soaked rice paper on a clean, flat surface like a chopping board. Arrange a generous portion of each ingredient – tofu, red cabbage, cucumber, carrot, lettuce, mint, and basil – in a line horizontally across the centre of the rice paper, slightly closer to you than the centre. This placement will make it easier to fold the roll neatly. Getting the right amount of filling might take a little practice, so expect your first few rolls to be… experimental. Aim for a good amount of filling, but avoid overfilling, which can make rolling difficult.

4. Fold and Roll: Carefully lift the edge of the rice paper closest to you over the filling, tucking it in snugly. Use your fingers to gently hold the filling in place as you begin to roll. Fold in the sides of the rice paper, like you’re making a burrito, then continue rolling forward, keeping the roll tight. Place the finished roll seam-down on a plate.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Once all your summer rolls are assembled, you can serve them immediately. For a beautiful presentation, cut each roll in half using a serrated knife. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce – a peanut satay sauce works wonderfully!

💡 Tips for getting it right!

• Perfect Rice Paper Texture: Soak the rice paper just until pliable, but not too soft. Over-soaking can lead to tearing, while under-soaking will make it difficult to roll.
• Tightly Packed Filling: Gently press down on the filling as you roll to create tightly packed summer rolls that hold their shape.

🤔 Frequently asked questions