Recipe: Pomelo Banh Trang Rolls 

By Executive Chef & Director of Culinary Enrichment Kathryn Kelly

These fresh spring rolls are perfect for the last hot days of summer. Similar to rolling sushi, the assembly of these rolls is fun and easy. You need slightly damp hands to keep the rice paper from sticking to your fingers. I’ve put my own twist on the Vietnamese banh trang rolls we serve at Red Ginger, and you can easily experiment with different ingredients and create your own version at home.

Serves 4

MIANG DIPPING SAUCE 1 cup palm sugar ½ cup water 1 Thai chili ¼ cup coconut flakes, toasted ¼ cup crushed macadamia nuts 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons ginger juice

POMELO ROLLS Segments of 4 pomelos ¼ cup coconut flakes, toasted ¼ cup salted dry-roasted peanuts, finely crushed 2 tablespoons finely minced shallot 8 Thai basil leaves, chiffonade 8 mint leaves, chiffonade 8 rice paper rounds 8 butter lettuce leaves 8 chive stems

MAKE THE SAUCE
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water and chili and warm, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining ingredients. Let cool and divide among 4 small bowls.

PREPARE THE ROLLS
In a medium bowl, combine the pomelo segments, coconut, peanuts, shallot, basil and mint. Soak a rice paper in lukewarm water until soft and then lay out on a damp kitchen towel. Top with a lettuce leaf and one-eighth of the pomelo mixture. Roll up the rice paper like a burrito or gather up the edges to form a pouch. Tie with a chive stem. Repeat to make 8 rolls and serve with the dipping sauce.