Simple Meals for Lent :: Vegetable Spring Rolls

 Photo by Philip Laubner/CRS

This recipe was submitted by Catholic Relief Services. "Sample the food of the Operation Rice Bowl featured-countries with your family and friends by preparing a simple, meatless recipe shared with us by the people we serve around the world. "

Vegetable Spring Rolls 

from Vietnam

Fresh herbs and vegetables rolled in thin rice paper wrappers. The garlic and wine vinegar dipping sauce is the perfect topping for this tangy and tasty meal.

Ingredients:

Sauce

• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp corn starch
• 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced and crushed
• 2 Tbsp sugar

Spring Rolls

• 1 cup cooked thin rice noodles
• ½ cup bean sprouts
• 1/3 head of green cabbage, chopped
• 5 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup carrots, grated or julienned
• ¼ cup fresh herbs (cilantro, basil or mint)
• 1 package rice paper wrappers

Directions:

Combine all sauce ingredients in small saucepan and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to thicken. Cool before serving. Cook rice noodles as described on package. Lightly steam cabbage, green onions, and carrots together until slightly tender. Toss noodles, vegetables, and herbs in large bowl. Quickly submerge a rice paper wrapper in warm water and lay on a smooth surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of mix on each wrapper and fold wrapper into shape.

Makes 6 - 8 servings

Photo by Laura Sheahen/Catholic Relief Services

Catholic Relief Services' education programs in Vietnam promote quality education for all people. Finding services and programs for disabled students was a challenge for Giap and his family living in Hanoi. But recently Giap started a web design business after enrolling in a residential school for students with disabilities. There he and his fellow students gained skills and confidence to work in the growing field of web design. With support from Catholic Relief Services, Giap’s school offers programs and accommodations for students who are blind or physically disabled so they can fulfill their potential and realize their dreams. For more information please visit Operation Rice Bowl.