Veggies and dip are a healthy road trip staple, perfect for snacking, pit stops, or appetizers. Take them a step further in this recipe, inspired by Vietnamese-style salad rolls. Paired with a spicy peanut sauce, they’re packed with carrots, crunchy broccoli, cashews, and a hint of mint. They’re hearty enough for a lunchtime picnic or anytime you need a little something to keep you going.
It’s easier to wrap the rolls if you lay butter lettuce on the wrapper so the leaf’s central vein is parallel to the countertop edge closest to your body. This way, when you roll the wrap away from you, you won’t be rolling against that crisp central vein. As you roll, gather side edges toward the centre, tucking them in as you do. If the wrap tears, rather than re-roll, just roll it in a second wrapper.
To ensure your rolls don't stick to the container or each other, a light spray of oil over the wrapped rolls may help. As well, you can layer the bottom of the container with butter leaves as a barrier to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
Per serving:
In small bowl, combine peanut butter, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and tamari. Add water, a little at a time, and mix slowly with a fork or spoon to gradually loosen the stiff peanut butter mixture. Once sauce is smooth, if you want a looser consistency, add more water, a teaspoon at a time. Once you’re happy with the consistency, add gingerroot, garlic, and red pepper flakes; mix through, and then pack into a sealable container.
To assemble rolls, first set out a clean cutting board for your workspace. Fill a wide, shallow bowl with hot (not boiling) water and, working quickly, soften one wrapper in water and lay it on your cutting board. Place 3 mint leaves and 3 radish slices on wrapper. Add lettuce, fill with cashews, a few slices of broccoli, and a few carrot matchsticks, and finally spinach. Roll tightly and repeat with remaining wrappers until you have 8 rolls. See tip for more wrapping advice.
Pack in a sealable container, keep cold, and eat within 24 hours with spicy peanut sauce.
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.
While on your burger journey, visit Jamaica, where you’ll find the spicy jerk flavours native to this beautiful island. Maple syrup adds a unique, sticky sweetness, while fresh lime juice highlights the fresh, tangy flavours of the Caribbean. Try making your own jerk seasoning or purchase store-bought for an easy shortcut.