Nems Senegalais

Name: Nems Senegalais
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Senegal
Ingredients: Minced meat (beef or pork) — 300 g (10 oz); Cabbage, finely shredded — 100 g (3.5 oz); Carrot, grated — 1; Spring Onions, chopped — 2; Garlic, minced — 2 cloves; Soy sauce — 1 tsp; Salt and black pepper, — to taste; Spring Roll wrappers — 20; Egg, beaten, for sealing — 1; Oil for frying

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Minced meat (beef or pork) — 300 g (10 oz)
Cabbage, finely shredded — 100 g (3.5 oz)
Carrot, grated — 1
Spring Onions, chopped — 2
Garlic, minced — 2 cloves
Soy sauce — 1 tsp
Salt and black pepper, — to taste
Spring Roll wrappers — 20
Egg, beaten, for sealing — 1
Oil for frying

Method

Combine the minced meat, cabbage, carrot, spring onions, garlic, soy sauce, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Place a spoonful of filling near one edge of each spring roll wrapper.
Roll tightly, folding in the sides, and seal the edge with beaten egg.
Heat oil for frying in a deep pan to 175°C (345°F).
Fry the nems in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden and crisp.
Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Introduction: Crisp fried spring rolls filled with seasoned meat and vegetables, a popular Senegalese street food.

Cultural Background: Nems, adapted from Vietnamese spring rolls through Senegal's historical connections, have become a beloved local street food, their crispy exterior and savoury filling perfect for a quick bite.

Tips: Roll the wrappers tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during frying. Fry at a moderate temperature so the filling cooks through without the wrapper burning.

Variations: Add bean sprouts to the filling for extra crunch; serve with a sweet chilli or nuoc cham-style dipping sauce.

Storage: Store cooked nems in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition: Approx. 210 kcal, 9 g protein, 20 g carbohydrate, 10 g fat per serving (2 nems).

FAQs:

Q: Why are nems popular in Senegal?

A: Historical trade and cultural connections introduced Vietnamese-style spring rolls, which have since become a beloved local street food.

Q: Can nems be made ahead and frozen?

A: Yes, assemble and freeze uncooked; fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes cooking time.