In Nigerian party culture, small chops are the life of the event. These delightful bite-sized snacks never fail to excite guests, making them a must-have at weddings, birthdays, and festive gatherings. From puff puffs to samosas, there’s always a variety of treats to enjoy. Among these options, spring rolls and samosas consistently stand out. You can check out my post on making the easiest and tastiest samosa you would ever have. Now let’s go back to the start of the day spring rolls.
Spring rolls hail from Asia and the Middle East. With their crisp, delicate wrappers, they trace their origins to Chinese cuisine. Over time, spring rolls have become staples at Nigerian parties, seamlessly blending with our love for spicy, savoury flavours to create a unique small chops experience.
There’s no strict rule about what goes inside spring rolls. Typically, you’ll find a mix of minced meat and finely chopped vegetables or just vegetables alone, all perfectly seasoned and wrapped in delicate pastry. This versatility is what makes spring rolls so appealing—you can get creative with your fillings based on your taste or dietary preference. Whether you’re preparing for a party or just craving a tasty snack, this step-by-step recipe will guide you in making delicious Nigerian-style spring rolls at home.
Let’s dive in and get rolling!
Recipe for Spring Roll Wraps
Ingredients for Wraps:
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon corn flour
- 1 cup flour
- A little water
Preparation:
- Mix all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, and corn flour) together. Gradually add a little water, mixing until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. It should be neither too thick nor too thin.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Lightly brush the pan with the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Heat for about a minute, then flip to cook the other side for another minute. Your wraps are ready when they are slightly golden. Repeat until all the batter is used. This mixture yields about 15 spring roll wraps
Note: The spring roll wraps is usually thinner than the samosa wraps
Ingredients Spring Rolls Fillings:
- Cabbage (shredded)
- Carrot (shredded)
- Sweet corn (optional)
- Blended green chili pepper
- Scotch bonnet pepper
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Onion
- Minced beef or chicken
- Bell peppers (diced)
- Chicken bouillon (Knorr)
- Curry powder
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil for frying
Preparation:
- Heat a little vegetable oil or margarine in a pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, garlic, ginger, and curry powder until fragrant.
2. Add the minced beef or chicken and cook until browned. Stir in shredded carrots and cabbage, blended green chili peppers, and scotch bonnet Pepper (little). Cover and cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Season with Knorr cube, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Mix well. When nearly done, add bell peppers, sweet corn, and spring onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool. Is funny how I forgot to buy sweet corn and sesame oil when I went to buy the ingredients but I just needed to make them at that time. so please when you making yours do well to add them, because is really good and they extra taste and flavour. But all the same, the spring roll fillings still came out really nice and tasty.
4. Place a spoonful of filling onto a spring roll wrapper. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly. Seal the edges with a mixture of water and flour.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the spring rolls until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
7. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce.
Note: For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use soy sauce and sesame oil for seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your spring rolls hot with a dipping sauce. They pair perfectly with a cold drink and are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Conclusion
With these easy steps, you can recreate the classic Nigerian spring roll at home. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a tasty snack, the crispy texture and flavourful filling will always impress. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings—swap out meat for vegetables or experiment with spices to suit your taste!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make spring roll wrappers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the spring roll wrappers ahead of time. Stack them with parchment paper in between each wrap to prevent sticking, alternatively you can oil each wrap before stacking them. Then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to store them for longer, consider freezing them.
What can I use as a substitute for meat in the filling?
For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can substitute the minced meat with tofu, mushrooms, or just use more vegetables like shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. You can also season with soy sauce for a savory flavour.
Can I bake or air-fry spring rolls instead of deep-frying?
Yes, you can bake or air-fry the spring rolls for a healthier option. To bake, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), brush the spring rolls with a little oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through. For air-frying, cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, also flipping midway.
Can I freeze spring rolls before frying?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked spring rolls. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen on high heat and make sure the oil is very hot.
Can I use store-bought spring roll wrappers?
Yes, store-bought wrappers are a convenient option if you’re short on time. They’re available in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Just make sure to defrost them fully before use.
How do I ensure the spring rolls are tightly rolled and sealed?
Make sure to not overfill the spring roll wrappers, as this can cause them to burst. Roll the spring rolls snugly, folding the sides over before rolling. Use a water-flour paste to seal the edges securely before frying.
Looking to expand your menu?
If you love making these crispy Nigerian spring rolls, check out my post on How to Start a Profitable Small chops Business with Little Capital for tips on turning your passion for cooking into a thriving business!
