Vietnamese Veg Parcels

Ingredients

• 12 rice paper wrappers
• 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles
• 2 carrots
• 1 cucumber
• 1 red bell pepper
• 8 lettuce leaves (optional)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro (optional)
• ½ cup fresh mint (optional)
• 4 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 red chili (optional)

Steps

1. Soak rice vermicelli noodles in hot water according to package instructions until tender, then drain and cut into 2cm strips.
2. Prepare all vegetables: julienne carrots, cucumber, and red bell pepper.
3. Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and thinly sliced red chili (if using).
4. To assemble, dip one rice paper wrapper in warm water for 20-30 seconds until pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
5. Arrange a small amount of rice noodles, julienned vegetables, and fresh herbs (cilantro, mint) near the bottom third of the wrapper, leaving a 1cm edge on the sides.
6. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides. Tightly roll the wrapper from bottom to top to form a cigar shape.
7. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce, optionally wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves.