RECIPE

Daikon-Papaya Summer Rolls with Minted Yogurt Sauce

  • 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.

  • ACTIVE: 1 HR
  • TOTAL TIME: 2 HRS 30 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • HEALTHY
  • MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. One 4-inch piece of daikon, peeled and julienned
    2. 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
    3. 1 European seedless cucumber—peeled, seeded and julienned
    4. 1/2 small green papaya—peeled, seeded and julienned
    5. 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    6. 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
    7. 3 ounces rice vermicelli
    8. 2 tablespoons chopped mint
    9. 2 tablespoons chopped basil
    10. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
    11. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    12. 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
    13. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    14. 1 tablespoon mirin
    15. 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
    16. 1 tablespoon minced shallot
    17. 1 tablespoon whole-milk Greek yogurt
    18. 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
    19. Eight 8-inch-round rice paper wrappers, plus extra in case of breakage

Directions

  1. 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.