Rice Paper, Small, CA

Small rice paper is used to make Southeast Asian style spring rolls or smaller, more delicate versions of salad rolls as an easy-to-make, healthy alternative to sandwiches. The basic elements are rice paper and rice vermicelli, but variations are endless shredded banana flowers or cooked green beans are popular in the Philippines, halved prawns or thinly sliced pork with chives and shredded carrots are favourites in Vietnam. To prepare a rice paper, immerse it into hot water briefly and lay flat on a clean, dry tea towel if it tears or falls apart, you have soaked it too long. Rice paper is surprisingly strong and easy to work with when not over-soaked.