Roasted Zucchini+ Soba Noodle Summer Rolls {Vegan + Gluten-Free}

Step 1

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425ºF.

Step 2

Halve the zucchini crosswise, then cut them into 1/2" thick spears. Place them on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil, and sprinkle with the salt. Toss to coat, then spread them into a single layer. Roast the zucchini until golden on the first side, about 10 minutes, then rotate and cook on a second side until golden and tender but still firm, 5-10 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 3

Bring a large saucepan filled with lightly salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook, stirring, until tender (see the package for cooking time). Drain and rinse well with cool water, then toss with the 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.

Step 4

Peel the scrubbed carrots into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Place in a medium bowl and toss with the rice vinegar. Set aside.

Step 5

Place the cilantro and mint leaves in a bowl.

Step 6

Rinse the scallions well, trim, cut them crosswise into 4" lengths, then into long slivers and place in a small bowl.

Step 7

Cut the tofu into pieces roughly the size of the zucchini spears and place in a bowl.

Step 8

Fill a very large bowl with warm water. Have the wrappers and ingredients nearby, as well as a large plate or cutting board to shape the rolls on, and a platter on which to place the finished rolls.

Step 9

Submerge a wrapper in the warm water and hold it there until it has softened a bit but still holds its shape. (My brown rice wrappers liked exactly 25 seconds, but white rice or tapioca wrappers usually take only 5 seconds or so. It may take a few tries to get the timing right.) Lay the wrapper on the plate or cutting board. On the lower third of the wrapper, place a small handful of noodles, 2-3 pieces of tofu, 2-3 zucchini spears, a few carrot ribbons, several slivered scallions and a generous handful of herbs.

Step 10

Grasp the bottom of the wrapper with your thumbs and forefingers and cup the filling with your other six fingers to fold the bottom of the wrapper up and over the filling. (It may take a bit of practice to get the right amount of pressure so that the wrapper doesn't tear but the filling is pressed tightly enough to hold together when the rolls are cut.) Fold the sides of the wrapper in toward the center, then roll the roll the rest of the way. (For pretty rolls, you can place a few herb leaves on the wrapper before making the final fold.)

Step 11

Assemble the remaining rolls, covering the finished ones with damp paper towels or a clean, damp kitchen towel to keep them from drying out. (Or store them airtight covered in damp paper towels and chill for 1-2 days.)

Step 12

In a large bowl, whisk together the almond butter, tahini, tamari, sesame oil, ginger, maple syrup, and vinegar until smooth. Taste, adding more vinegar or ginger if you want the flavors a little sharper, more almond butter if you want it thicker, or a few drops of water if the mixture is too thick. The dressing will keep for up to a week in the fridge.

Step 13

To serve the rolls, cut them in half on the diagonal and arrange them on a platter with the dipping sauce. Eat!