Meatless Monday!

Welcome to Carroll Gardens Patch's weekly column in the spirit of the Meatless Mondayinitiative, which promotes going without meat one day a week to reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

Here we share favorite recipes submitted by neighbors and local restaurants in which fruits and vegetables are the main attraction. 

This week we're introducing you to the wonderful world of rice paper. 

Found in the ethnic food aisle of most supermarkets—and certainly in local Asian groceries—rice paper is a thin wrap that when moistened can be stretched around chopped up veggies for make-your-own Vietnamese summer rolls.

The recipe is as simple as this:

1. Thinly slice up various favorite veggies (i.e. cucumbers, carrots, avocado, cabbage, onions).

2. Add chopped herbs (i.e. Thai basil, mint or scallions).

3. Carefully place some ingredients on one half of the moistened rice paper. Fold the second half of the rice paper over the ingredients as you would roll a burrito. Repeat steps for as many rolls as necessary.

4. Serve with assorted dipping sauces such as spicy gojuchang or creamy peanut. Voila!