TGIF-This Recipe puts the Spring in Spring Rolls!

Getting kids excited about their greens is always the best way to include more of them! We tend to think about greens as either salads, or cooked veggies. This recipe from http://whiteonricecouple.com for savory spring rolls is a sure hit as they require very little prep, equipment, and a great way for kids to help get involved in the kitchen and get excited about making their own healthy lunch, dinner, or snack. Introducing kids to unique green flavors, such as basil will get them interested in trying new flavors. This recipe includes different flavors, textures, and can be left uncut, as a kid friendly roll to dip in the refreshing peanut sauce. We hope they’re a hit with your family!

http://whiteonricecouple.com/recipes/chicken-spring-rolls/#

Cooking Utensils:

• Sautee pan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Medium bowl

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of boneless chicken
• 4 Tablespoons of grape seed or vegetable oil
• 2 medium cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
• 4 teaspoons soy sauce or fish sauce (use Tamari for gluten free)
• fresh basil, mint or other herbs
• fresh lettuce, chopped or torn in small pieces
• carrots, celery, cucumbers, daikon radish or bell peppers
• rice paper

For Garlic Soy dip:

• 4 tablespoons light soy sauce (use Tamari for gluten free)
• 1 medium clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of sesame oil

Directions:

1. For the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken, vegetable oil, sesame oil, garlic and soy sauce. Cover well and allow to marinade for about 20 minutes.
2. Heat frying pan and cook chicken. Slice in chicken in thin slices, about 1/4 inches for rolling.
3. Gather vegetables, rice paper, board surface to roll on and bowl of hot water.
4. For the Dip: combine all ingredients well.

For Rolls:

1. In large bowl, fill it with water and make it warm by adding hot water. Gently dip each rice paper wrapper in warm water for a few seconds till damp. Don’t over soak the rice paper. Place rice paper on plate, or working surface. As rice paper begins to absorb the water and become more soft and pliable (10-30 seconds, depending on wrappers and water temp.), begin to add the fillings.
2. On the 1/3 section of the rice paper wrapper closest to you, start layering your fillings of lettuce, herbs, chicken and vegetables.
3. Start rolling the wrapper over the fillings away from you, tucking and rolling the wrapper with your fingers, making sure all the fillings remain right and round within the rice paper wrapper.
4. Serve immediately with soy dip, or cover with plastic wrap to eat a few hours later.

Written by: Dahlia Marin, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist