Daikon-Papaya Summer Rolls with Minted Yogurt Sauce

Contributed by Douglas Keane

ACTIVE: 1 HR
TOTAL TIME: 2 HRS 30 MIN
SERVINGS: 4

Douglas Keane says that these summer rolls, filled with tangy marinated daikon, cucumber and papaya, are the perfect way to jolt the palate before a rich meal that will likely include truffles and foie gras.

One 4-inch piece of daikon, peeled and julienned
2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
1 European seedless cucumber—peeled, seeded and julienned
1/2 small green papaya—peeled, seeded and julienned
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
3 ounces rice vermicelli
2 tablespoons chopped mint
2 tablespoons chopped basil
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon mirin
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 tablespoon whole-milk Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
Eight 8-inch-round rice paper wrappers, plus extra in case of breakage

In a large bowl, toss the daikon, carrots, cucumber and papaya with the salt and 1/2 tablespoon of the sugar. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are wilted and have released a good amount of liquid, about 1 hour. Drain and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Wipe out the bowl and return the vegetables to it.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add the vermicelli, cover and remove from the heat; let stand until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and cool under cold water. Drain again, pressing out the excess water. Using scissors, cut the vermicelli into 4-inch lengths. Add the vermicelli to the vegetables, along with the chopped mint, basil and cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, fish sauce, vinegar and mirin with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar; stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the ginger and shallot and pour all but 2 teaspoons of the dressing over the vermicelli and vegetables. Let stand for 1 hour.
4. Drain the mixture, pressing to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Add the yogurt and mayonnaise to the reserved 2 teaspoons of dressing and refrigerate.
5. Fill a large pie plate halfway with warm water. Working with 1 or 2 rice papers at a time, soak the wrappers in the water until pliable, about 2 minutes. Lay the wrappers on a work surface and blot any excess water. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the vegetables and vermicelli onto the bottom third of a wrapper and tightly roll into a 5-inch log, tucking in the ends as you roll. Transfer to a cutting board. Cover the summer roll with a damp paper towel and a sheet of plastic wrap. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Cut each roll into 4 pieces and stand them cut side up on a platter. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the creamy sauce onto each roll and serve right away.

Make Ahead The rolls can be kept at room temperature under a damp paper towel and plastic wrap for up to 2 hours.


From California Wine Guide: Sonoma County
Published July 2006

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/daikon-papaya-summer-rolls-with-minted-yogurt-sauce