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Vietnamese Pork Spring Rolls: A Delightful Appetiser for Divine Living

If you’re looking to impress your guests with a taste of Southeast Asia, look no further than the enticing Vietnamese pork spring rolls. Also known as "Gỏi cuốn," these fresh and flavourful appetizers are perfect for sharing, offering a delicious blend of textures and tastes. Not only are they healthy, but they also exude a certain divine charm that makes any gathering feel special.

Ingredients

To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:

For the Spring Rolls:

• 200g pork fillet (such as tenderloin)
• 100g rice vermicelli noodles
• 8 rice paper wrappers
• 1 cup lettuce leaves (preferably butter or Romaine)
• 1 cup fresh herbs (such as mint, coriander, and basil)
• 1 medium carrot (julienned)
• Cucumber (thinly sliced)
• Optional: Chopped peanuts for garnish

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Chopped chilli or garlic (optional, to taste)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Cook the Pork: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the pork fillet. Simmer until fully cooked (around 15-20 minutes). Allow it to cool before thinly slicing it.
2. Marinate (optional): For an extra burst of flavour, you can marinate the cooked pork in a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Prepare the Rice Vermicelli: Cook according to package instructions, usually by soaking in hot water for around 5-7 minutes until soft. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Spring Rolls

1. Prepare the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for about 10 seconds or until it becomes pliable, then lay it flat on a clean surface.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Place a lettuce leaf in the centre, followed by a small handful of cooked rice vermicelli, a few slices of pork, a sprinkle of julienned carrot, and cucumber, and a handful of fresh herbs.
3. Roll it Up: Fold the sides of the rice paper inwards, then roll from the bottom up, tucking the filling tightly as you go. Repeat with the remaining ingredients until you have a beautiful platter of spring rolls.

Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. Mix the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce, peanut butter, rice vinegar, and sugar. Adjust the consistency with water if needed and add chopped chilli or garlic for an extra kick. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spring rolls on a large platter, garnished with chopped peanuts, and alongside the dipping sauce for a delightful presentation. They can be served as a starter at dinner parties, as part of a buffet, or simply enjoyed as a healthy snack.

Conclusion

These Vietnamese pork spring rolls embody both the essence of divine living and the delight of shared meals. Their vibrant colours, fresh ingredients, and scrumptious flavours create a feast that not only pleases the palate but also promotes a wholesome lifestyle. Perfect for any occasion, you’ll find that once you start making these addictive rolls, they’ll become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the process and the delicious results with family and friends!