A delicious and healthy appetizer featuring roasted butternut squash, vermicelli rice noodles, fresh cilantro, and toasted pumpkin seeds, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1⁄4-inch cubes
0 lb
teaspoons
Rice Paper Wrappers, 8-inch round
each
Vermicelli Rice Noodles
0 oz
Fresh Cilantro, torn into bite-size pieces
cups
Roasted Salted Pumpkin Seeds, chopped coarsely
cups
tablespoons
tablespoons
Asian Hot Chile Oil
tablespoons
teaspoons
tablespoons
1. Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Roast the squash for about 25 minutes, turning them halfway through. You'll know they're done when they are tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Cook the Vermicelli Rice Noodles
While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the vermicelli rice noodles and cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to cool them down quickly.
3. Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers
To soften the rice paper wrappers, fill a large pie plate or bowl with warm water. Submerge one wrapper at a time in the water for about 10-15 seconds until it becomes pliable but not too soft. Remove it carefully and lay it flat on a clean surface.
4. Assemble the Rolls
Begin assembling the rolls by placing a small handful of rice noodles in the center of the softened wrapper. Add a spoonful of roasted butternut squash, a few pieces of torn cilantro, and a sprinkle of chopped pumpkin seeds on top. Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom, keeping the filling snug inside. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling ingredients.
5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, Asian hot chile oil, toasted sesame oil, and sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
6. Serve the Rolls
Once all the rolls are assembled, you can cut them in half if desired and arrange them on a serving plate. Serve the rolls with the dipping sauce on the side.
Cut the butternut squash into uniform pieces for even cooking. Don't overcrowd the pan to ensure proper caramelization. Roast until just fork-tender to prevent mushiness in the roll.
Balance your filling with a mix of textures and flavors. Add elements like thinly sliced apple, radishes, and blanched greens for variety and ease of rolling.
Look for a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a matte, not shiny, skin. The heavier the squash, the more moisture it contains, which will translate into a creamier texture when cooked.
Toast your pumpkin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until they pop and become fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture contrast.
Roll tightly and tuck in the sides as you go, encasing all the filling snugly to prevent it from falling out.
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