Hanoi Orange Blossom Roll

The Hanoi Orange Blossom Roll is a delicate and fragrant dish that draws inspiration from the vibrant culinary traditions of Vietnam's capital city. With its unique combination of aromatic rice paper, flavorful prawns, and the subtle essence of orange blossom, this dish encapsulates the essence of Hanoi's blend of history and modernism. The use of herbs like mint and coriander provide a refreshing complement. Tracing its roots back to the French colonial era, when the infusion of Western and Eastern flavors became profound, the Orange Blossom Roll is a testament to Vietnam's adaptability and the global influences on its gastronomy.

Ingredients

• Rice paper - 12 sheets
• Prawns - 500g, peeled and deveined
• Orange blossom water - 2 teaspoons
• Mint leaves - 20g, fresh
• Coriander leaves - 20g, fresh
• Rice vermicelli - 200g
• Cucumber - 1, julienned
• Carrot - 1, julienned
• Lettuce - 100g, chopped
• Fish sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Lime juice - 2 tablespoons
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Chili - 1, minced
• Water - 100ml

Preparation

Preparing the Prawns

Begin by marinating the prawns. In a bowl, combine the prawns with orange blossom water, garlic, and chili. Allow the prawns to sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Next, poach the prawns by bringing a pot of water to a simmer. Add the prawns and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they're pink and opaque. Drain and set aside to cool.

Preparing the Vermicelli

Cook the rice vermicelli according to package instructions, which typically involves soaking them in hot water for about 5-10 minutes until soft. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Assembling the Roll

Preparing the Filling

In a large bowl, mix the poached prawns, cooked rice vermicelli, julienned cucumber, julienned carrot, chopped lettuce, mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Toss gently to combine all ingredients well.

Rolling the Wraps

Prepare a shallow dish filled with warm water. Dip a rice paper sheet into the water to soften for about 15-30 seconds. Lay the softened sheet on a clean, damp cloth.

Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture onto the bottom third of the rice paper. Start by folding the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a cylinder, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Creating the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine water, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

Arrange the Hanoi Orange Blossom Rolls on a large serving platter. Serve them with a bowl of the dipping sauce on the side. These rolls can be enjoyed as a starter or part of a main meal. Their fresh and tangy flavors pair exceptionally well with a light jasmine tea or a crisp white wine, making for a truly aromatic and enjoyable culinary experience.