Rice paper is common both in Chinese cuisine and in some Asian countries. It mainly contains rice flour, tapioca - this is a starch obtained from the roots of the cassava plant and other natural ingredients. They are very dry and can be stored for a long time.
Before using rice paper, they should be soaked in hot water for a few seconds to soften. They are also gluten free. The rice flour from which they are made is used in dietary nutrition.
It is an important part of the diet of people with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. Consuming rice paper from rice flour reduces one's need for sugar and fat. Rice paper contain proteins and amino acids that are necessary for the growth of new cells.
They serve to make the so-called spring rolls. For the Chinese, this dish is of great importance - symbolizing wealth and a successful fertile year when it is served on the Chinese New Year.
Spring rolls are in the shape of a cylinder and their filling can consist of seafood, meat and vegetables. They are served with soy sauce and the spices garlic and coriander. They are rolled up, by adding the filling, which is no more than 2 spoons, in the middle, wrapping the lower ends first, then the upper ones and finally twisting them up suddenly to make the roll tight. Immediately after rolling them up, they are fried.
They can also be grilled, baked or steamed. This Chinese specialty is very reminiscent of filo pastries stuffed with spinach and wild garlic. All vegetables characteristic of the spring season are suitable for the filling.
The filling for the rolls can be not only savory but also sweet. Rice paper and the delicacies prepared with them are loved in the vegetarian cuisine.
At home, you would serve them as an appetizer or as a dessert when you want to surprise connoisseurs of non-traditional dishes with something different. Most of all, you would please the lovers of healthy cuisine.
