SPRING ROLLS WITH RICOTTA AND SWEET CHILI SAUCE




Ingredients
16 sheets frozen filo pastry, about 350 g / 3/4 Ib in total, separated and thawed 225 g /1/2  lb paneer cheese, chopped into cubes
4 tbsp vegetable oil 100 g / 1/2 lb spinach
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
3 scallions (spring onions), chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 green chili pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
1/2 tsp lemon zest, finely grated 100 g / 1/2 cup ricotta cheese Oil, for deep-frying
Salt and freshly ground pepper For the sauce:
31/2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp tomato paste (puree) 1 tsp salt
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 red chili pepper, deseeded and very finely chopped

Method : Prep and cook time: 50 min
1      To make the sauce, bring the sugar and about 4 tbsp of water to a boil and simmer until the mixture turns into a clear syrup.
2      Stir in the tomato paste (puree), salt, vinegar and chili and let cool.
3      To make the filling, fry the paneer cubes in 2 tbsp of vegetable oil until golden brown.
4      Wilt the spinach in the remaining oil and continue frying until steamed dry.
5      Mix together the spinach, bell pepper, scallions (spring onions), garlic, chili, paneer, lemon zest and ricotta and season with salt and pepper.
6      Divide the mixture between the sheets of pastry.
7      Fold in the ends of the pastry squares and roll up. Brush the edges with water and press firmly to close.
Deep-fry the spring rolls in hot oil for about minutes, a few at a time, until golden brown. Serve with the chili sauce.