Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Vegan Collard Greens Spring Rolls?
They are a plant-based appetizer featuring a savory filling of sautéed collard greens, black-eyed peas, carrots, and spices wrapped in rice paper and deep-fried until golden.
Are these spring rolls suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, these spring rolls are 100% vegan and plant-based.
Are these spring rolls gluten-free or wheat-free?
Yes, this recipe is wheat-free as it uses dried rice spring roll wrappers instead of flour-based ones.
Is this recipe soy-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are entirely soy-free.
What are the main ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of collard greens, cooked black-eyed peas, grated carrots, garlic, onion, and fresh ginger.
How do I prepare the collard greens for the filling?
The collard greens should be thinly sliced and then sautéed for 5-7 minutes with garlic, onion, and ginger until softened.
How many spring rolls does this recipe make?
The recipe calls for 24 to 36 dried rice spring roll wrappers, depending on how much filling you place in each.
How do I soften the dried rice spring roll wrappers?
Quickly rinse one sheet at a time under warm tap water until it becomes soft and pliable before laying it flat to fill.
How do I prevent the spring rolls from bursting during frying?
Roll them tightly, fold the ends inward to seal the filling, squeeze out excess air, and ensure the frying oil is not overheated.
What is the frying time for each spring roll?
Fry the rolls for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
How many spring rolls should I fry at once?
It is recommended to fry up to three rolls at a time to maintain the oil temperature and prevent crowding.
What type of oil is used for the filling?
A few tablespoons of oil are used to sauté the initial vegetable mixture.
Are the black-eyed peas cooked before adding them to the filling?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of cooked black-eyed peas.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The filling is seasoned with red pepper flakes, coriander powder, and salt.
How should I drain the spring rolls after frying?
Place the finished rolls on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Can I make the spring rolls extra crispy?
Yes, you can refry any cooled spring rolls for a short time to achieve an extra crispy texture.
What are some serving suggestions for these rolls?
They pair well with brown jasmine rice or a tangy dipping sauce.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
How do I prep the ginger?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger.
Do I need to use fresh cilantro?
The recipe uses 1/2 bunch of chopped fresh cilantro mixed into the filling for flavor.
How do I roll the wrappers?
Place a few tablespoons of filling on the edge, roll it tightly like a sushi roll, and fold the ends inward to seal.
What kind of onion should I use?
One small onion, thinly sliced, is required for the sautéed base.
Is the filling spicy?
It has a mild heat thanks to 1 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes.
Can I use medium carrots?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 medium carrots that are grated.
What temperature should the frying oil be?
The oil should be heated over medium heat; be careful not to let it get too hot to avoid bursting the rice wrappers.
Can the filling be made ahead of time?
While the instructions describe a continuous process, the sautéed vegetable and bean mixture can be prepared before rolling.
Are these spring rolls healthy?
They are a nutritious choice containing greens and protein-rich beans, though they are deep-fried.
What is the texture of the spring rolls?
They have a satisfying crunch on the outside with a soft, flavorful vegetable and bean filling inside.
Should the water for the wrappers be hot or cold?
The instructions recommend using warm tap water for the best results in softening the wrappers.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and refried briefly to regain their crispness before serving.