Nori Rice Paper Wraps: a truly yummy YUM recipe

Much more than a cookbook, YUM: plant-based recipes for a gluten-free diet is a guidebook for entering into a world of delicious, passionate, mindful and sensual living in all its forms, even if you have dietary restrictions or other health challenges. This invaluable resource has 180+ delectable dishes, inspired techniques and a guide to special ingredients. The nutritional information and tips for creating a more sustainable kitchen will empower you to enhance the pleasure in your life. Enjoy guilt-free, mouthwatering delights that everyone will love, even if you have lactose intolerance, celiac disease, diabetes or other health challenges.

Try out the Nori Rice Paper Wraps recipe described below and if it whets your appetite for more, both the hard- and the e-copy are up for grabs!

How Nori Rice Paper Wraps came about

This convenient invention was born out of the frustration of making nori or rice paper wraps that were difficult to travel with, because they so often fell apart while eating. The method combines the lightness of traditional rice paper and nori (seaweed paper), resulting in a fantastic structural soundness. These make a perfect light and delicious convenient travel food. Sturdy and practical—these wraps are one of my absolute favourite lunchbox or hiking meals. The options for filling them are endless. Enjoy! Makes 1 wrap.

Wrap ingredients

1 round rice paper sheet

1 nori sheet (raw or roasted)

Filling ingredients

  • leafy greens of choice
  • 2–3 tbsp hummus, guacamole or other favourite dip
  • Plus any combination of the following: watercress, pea shoots, cilantro or parsley
  • shredded carrots
  • shredded or julienned zucchini, cucumbers, daikon or other radishes
  • diced tomatoes or peppers
  • avocado slices
  • raw or cooked organic corn kernels
  • roasted red bell peppers or eggplant slices
  • leftover beans, grains or salads

Anything else that you are moved to put in!

How to make Nori Rice Paper Wraps

Wet the rice paper with water and place on a plate. Place a nori sheet on top of the wet rice paper and gently press it onto the rice paper to fuse them together. Place leafy greens flat along the middle of the nori sheet, followed by the hummus or other dip, and then add your other fillings (don’t overfill). Finally, wrap one corner tightly over top of the centre mixture, and fold the edges in on top of the first fold before finishing by snugly rolling up the wrap. If the nori doesn’t seal, lightly dab with water and then press closed. Serve immediately or take as a wonderful on–the–go, fresh and satisfying meal.

Theresa’s tip

Living with food restrictions or special dietary needs can make travel and outings difficult. These wraps offer wonderful flexibility and are terrific for when you are on the road. You can even whip them together in your hotel room. Just get a pack of nori and rice paper, some dip and some locally available fresh veggies, and you’re good to go!

Dr. Theresa Nicassio is a registered psychologist (1541) & author of YUM: plant-based recipes for a gluten-free diet (www.yumfoodforliving.com) — a delicious and sensually delightful gluten- and sugar-free vegan-friendly cookbook that is heart-healthy, anti-cancer & mostly diabetic-friendly.