If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional tortillas, jicama wraps are a great option. Made from the root vegetable jicama, these wraps are low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals. Jicama itself has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture, making it the perfect choice for a wrap. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing and cooking jicama wraps, so you can enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish.
Firstly, you’ll need to select a jicama that is firm and free from any blemishes. To prepare the jicama for wrapping, you’ll need to peel off the tough outer skin using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, you can then cut the jicama into thin, pliable slices. For best results, it’s recommended to use a mandoline slicer to ensure uniform thickness.
After you’ve sliced the jicama, it’s time to blanch the slices to make them more pliable. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the jicama slices and cook for about 1-2 minutes. You want the slices to become slightly softened, but still retain their crispness. Once blanched, remove the slices from the pot and immediately transfer them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Now that your jicama slices are blanched and cooled, it’s time to assemble your wraps. Lay a jicama slice flat on a clean working surface and add your desired fillings in the center, such as sliced vegetables, herbs, and protein options like grilled chicken or tofu. Gently roll up the jicama slice, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go. You can secure the wraps with toothpicks or tie them with kitchen twine, if needed.
Tip: For added flavor, consider marinating your fillings beforehand or adding a sauce, such as a tahini dressing or a spicy peanut sauce.
Jicama wraps make a perfect healthy and refreshing snack or light meal. They are great for those who are watching their carbohydrate intake or following a gluten-free diet. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch option or a creative appetizer for a party, jicama wraps are sure to impress. So, give them a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that these unique wraps offer!
Preparation
Before you start making jicama wraps, there are a few key preparation steps to ensure your wraps turn out delicious.
1. Gather the Ingredients
Collect all the necessary ingredients for the jicama wraps recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
Jicama | 2 medium-sized jicamas |
Filling | Choose your preferred fillings such as vegetables, protein, and herbs |
Dipping Sauce | Prepare a dipping sauce of your choice |
Extras | Optional extras like avocado slices, lime wedges, or peanuts |
2. Peel and Slice the Jicama
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin of the jicama. Once peeled, cut the jicama into thin, flat slices using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Make sure the slices are thick enough to hold the fillings but thin enough to be flexible.
3. Prepare the Filling
Prepare your chosen fillings. Wash and slice the vegetables into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Cook any protein options beforehand, ensuring they are seasoned and cooked to your liking.
4. Arrange the Ingredients
Take one jicama slice and place a small amount of filling in the center. Add any additional extras you desire. Repeat this step with the remaining jicama slices and fillings.
Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to move on to the cooking instructions for jicama wraps!
Choosing the jicama
When it comes to making jicama wraps, it’s important to choose the right jicama for the job. Jicama is a root vegetable that is crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfect for creating a wrap-like texture. When selecting jicama, opt for ones that are firm, with no soft spots or wrinkles. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes.
Varieties
There are a few different varieties of jicama available, but the most common one you’ll find in stores is the round jicama. This variety has a pale brown skin and a white flesh. It has a crisp and refreshing taste, making it ideal for wraps.
Size
When it comes to size, jicama can vary. It’s best to choose one that is medium to large in size, as it will be easier to work with when making the wraps. A medium-sized jicama should yield around four to six wraps, depending on the thickness of the slices.
By choosing the right jicama for your wraps, you’ll ensure that you have a delicious and satisfying meal. So, take the time to select a firm and smooth jicama, and get ready to enjoy your homemade jicama wraps!
Soaking the jicama
Before using jicama to make wraps, it is important to soak it to make it pliable and easier to roll. Soaking the jicama also helps to remove any starchy flavor. Here is how to soak the jicama before making wraps:
1. Prepare the jicama
Start by peeling the jicama with a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut the jicama into thin slices or strips, depending on your preference.
2. Rinse the jicama
Place the sliced jicama in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be on the jicama.
3. Soak the jicama
Fill a large bowl with cold water and place the jicama slices or strips in the water. Make sure the jicama is fully submerged. Let the jicama soak for at least 30 minutes to soften.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can soak the jicama for up to 2 hours. However, be careful not to over-soak it, as it may become too soft and difficult to handle.
4. Drain and dry the jicama
Once the jicama has finished soaking, drain the water and pat the jicama slices or strips dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It is now ready to be used for making jicama wraps!
By soaking the jicama before cooking, you will ensure that it is pliable and easy to roll into wraps. Soaking also helps to remove any starchy flavor, resulting in a more enjoyable eating experience.
Slicing the jicama
To prepare jicama wraps, you will need to start by slicing the jicama into thin, round sheets. To do this, first, peel the jicama with a knife or vegetable peeler. Make sure to remove the tough outer skin completely.
Once peeled, place the jicama horizontally on a chopping board. Using a sharp knife, start slicing it into thin rounds. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness for each slice.
Be mindful of your fingers while slicing and take your time to ensure consistent thickness throughout. If you prefer thicker wraps, you can adjust the slicing thickness accordingly.
Once all the jicama is sliced, you can now use the sheets as wraps for your desired fillings. They provide a refreshing and crunchy alternative to traditional tortilla wraps.
Preparing the filling
To make the filling for your jicama wraps, you will need a variety of fresh vegetables and seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Jicama: 1 medium-sized jicama root
- Carrots: 2 medium-sized carrots, julienned
- Red bell pepper: 1 medium-sized red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Cucumber: 1 small cucumber, julienned
- Mint leaves: a handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Cilantro: a handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Lime: juice of 1 lime
- Hoisin sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions:
- Prepare the jicama: Peel the jicama and cut it into thin, pliable sheets. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for this.
- Combine the vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, julienned cucumber, chopped mint leaves, and chopped cilantro.
- Add the seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
Your delicious jicama wrap filling is now ready to be placed inside the jicama sheets. Continue with the next steps of the recipe to assemble and enjoy your refreshing jicama wraps!
Assembling the wraps
To assemble the jicama wraps, start by placing a jicama slice on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of your desired sauce or spread on the jicama slice, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
Next, add your choice of fillings in a single layer on top of the sauce. You can use a variety of vegetables, proteins, and herbs to create different flavor combinations. Be creative and experiment with your favorite ingredients!
Once you have added the fillings, carefully roll up the jicama slice, starting from one end. Keep rolling until the entire jicama slice is wrapped around the fillings. Repeat this process with the remaining jicama slices and fillings.
If the jicama slices are not sticking together, you can secure them with toothpicks or wrap them tightly with a strip of seaweed. This will help hold the wraps together while you enjoy them.
Once all the wraps are assembled, serve them immediately and enjoy! These jicama wraps make a refreshing and healthy appetizer or light meal. They are perfect for parties or a quick and easy lunch option.
FAQ
What are jicama wraps?
Jicama wraps are made from jicama, which is a crisp and refreshing root vegetable. The wraps are gluten-free and low in calories, making them a healthy alternative to traditional wraps.
How do I prepare jicama wraps?
To prepare jicama wraps, peel the jicama and cut it into thin, flat slices. You can then fill the slices with your desired ingredients such as vegetables, meat, or cheese. Roll up the jicama slice like a burrito and secure it with a toothpick if necessary.
What are some ideas for fillings for jicama wraps?
There are many options for fillings for jicama wraps. You can use lettuce, cucumber, avocado, and carrot for a fresh and crunchy filling. Another option is to use grilled chicken, bell peppers, and onions for a more savoury filling. You can get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavours!
Are jicama wraps suitable for vegans?
Yes, jicama wraps can be suitable for vegans. You can fill them with various plant-based ingredients like tofu, tempeh, mushrooms, and a variety of vegetables. These fillings can provide a delicious and satisfying vegan meal.
Can jicama wraps be made in advance?
Jicama wraps are best when eaten fresh, as the jicama slices can lose their crunch if prepared too far in advance. However, you can prepare the fillings in advance and assemble the wraps just before serving to save time.
What is jicama?
Jicama is a root vegetable native to Mexico. It has a thin brown skin and white flesh that is crisp and slightly sweet.