Soulful Spring Rolls

Ingredients

While the original Chinese Spring Rolls are typically filled with vegetables and sometimes meat, our Soulful Spring Rolls incorporate soul food elements. We add a touch of Southern flavor by including ingredients like collard greens, black-eyed peas, and smoked turkey. This fusion creates a unique and delicious twist on the traditional dish. We alse have the original recipe for Spring Rolls, so you can check it out.

• 12 spring roll wrappers 12 spring roll wrappers
• 1 cup collard greens, finely chopped 1 cup collard greens, finely chopped
• 1 cup black-eyed peas, cooked and mashed 1 cup black-eyed peas, cooked and mashed
• 1/2 cup smoked turkey, diced 1/2 cup smoked turkey, diced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the collard greens and cook until wilted.
4. 4.
   Stir in the mashed black-eyed peas, smoked turkey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let the filling cool.
5. 5.
   Take a spring roll wrapper and place it on a clean surface in a diamond shape, with one corner facing you.
6. 6.
   Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the bottom corner of the wrapper.
7. 7.
   Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly towards the top corner.
8. 8.
   Moisten the top corner with a little water to seal the spring roll.
9. 9.
   Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
10. 10.
    In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
11. 11.
    Fry the spring rolls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
12. 12.
    Remove the spring rolls from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
13. 13.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Collard greens — Remove the tough stems before chopping and ensure they are thoroughly washed to remove any grit.
• Black-eyed peas — If using canned black-eyed peas, rinse them well before mashing.
• Smoked turkey — Use smoked turkey leg or wing meat for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the spring rolls extra crispy, double fry them. After the initial frying, let them cool for a few minutes, then fry them again until golden brown.
• Serve the spring rolls with a dipping sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, honey, and a dash of hot sauce for a tangy kick.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the smoked turkey and add more vegetables like bell peppers and carrots to the filling.
• Experiment with different dipping sauces like barbecue sauce or a spicy remoulade for a unique twist.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the spring rolls to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Spring Rolls as an appetizer or as part of a larger soul food feast. They pair well with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Soulful Spring Rolls on a platter, standing upright to showcase their crispy golden exterior. Serve them with a vibrant dipping sauce in a small bowl alongside the rolls. Add a sprig of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, as a garnish for an elegant touch.