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Fresh spring rolls are easier to make than you might realize. Vietnamese salad roll wrappers are available at most Asian grocery stores, and assembling spring rolls is a simple and fun activity for a group. Plus, making them at home lets you experiment with a variety of fillings and flavors.
This version puts the focus on shrimp, yet ups the flavor with hearty avocado, sweet mango and a mix of basil and mint. Healthwise, these spring rolls offer the perfect combination of protein, “good” fat and a dose of antioxidants.
1 ounce dried rice noodles
1 tablespoon peanut sauce
4 12-inch Vietnamese salad roll wrappers
3 ounces cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails discarded and halved crosswise
1 medium avocado, halved and cut into 12 slices
1 medium mango, peeled and cut into julienne strips
1 cup tightly packed red leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
¼ cup tightly packed fresh basil, stems discarded, torn into bite-size pieces
¼ cup tightly packed fresh mint, stems discarded, torn into bite-size pieces
1 2.5-ounce package radish sprouts, steamed (optional)
In a small saucepan, boil 2 cups of water over high heat. Put the rice noodles in a small, heat-resistant bowl. Pour the boiling water over the noodles. Let stand for 4 minutes, or until the noodles have softened. Drain well in a fine-mesh sieve. Transfer back to the bowl. Stir in the peanut sauce. Set aside.
Fill a large bowl with warm water. Working with one wrapper at a time, soak the wrapper in the water for 30 seconds, or until just pliable but not limp. Transfer the wrapper to a wooden cutting board.
On the wrapper, layer one fourth of each down the center as follows: shrimp, avocado, mango, lettuce, basil, mint and sprouts (if desired). Top with the rice noodles. Fold the bottom of the wrapper over the filling. Fold in the ends, rolling like a burrito into a tight cylinder. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and ingredients.
Transfer the rolls with the seam side down to a plate. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and refrigerate. When ready to serve, using a wet knife, cut each roll into thirds. Transfer to a platter and serve with your favorite sauce.
This recipe is courtesy of The American Heart Association.
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