I can’t tell you how fun it was making authentic spring rolls with the Women’s Learning Group last weekend in the Rosewood Neighborhood.  Since moving to Greensboro, I’ve become a huge fan of fresh spring rolls and have attempted making them in my home several times. It was great to learn first hand from the experts!  And, I also loved knowing that there are other women out there who cook by the seat of their pants (for those who have ever cooked with me and without measuring spoons!). Their main point was – “anything goes with spring rolls” and suggested a number of possibilities when making them.

The organizers of the trip sent us home with an information sheet on “The Montagnard Perspective.” Here are some point that may be of interest in your spring roll making!

• Vietnamese and Montagnard cuisines aren’t two in the same. According to the Women’s Group, “Half is the same but half is different.”
• Traditional Montagnard dishes include wild plants, mushrooms and other foods found in jungles and forests.
• Spring rolls are “anything you want” in a wrapper. You can even buy gluten-free rice flour wrappers!
• You can’t go wrong if you stick with quality and fresh vegetables and herbs.
• Ideas for spring roll ingredients are: red leaf or boston lettuce, thin rice vermicelli, shredded carrots, bean sprouts, cooked shrimp, cucumber, grilled pork, mint, cilantro, balm or perilla.
• Dipping sauces are important and come in a number of varieties.  Here are two recipes!
• Finally, supporting ethnic businesses in Greensboro – is buying local!  Here are a couple places to check out.

Fish Sauce-Based Dip

• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 small chili pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup nouc mam (Vietnamese fish sauce)
• 1/4 cup water

Peanut Sauce

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce

Montagnard Stores in Greensboro

Nie’s American Oriental – 3116 Summit Avenue

Dega Market  – 1463 East Cone Boulevard

Dega Store – Corner of Fairview and 4th Street