Sushi

INGREDIENTS

For Sushi Rice:

• 1 cup sushi rice (short-grain rice)
• 1 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt

For Rolling Sushi:

• 1/2 carrot (cut into thin strips)
• 4 nori sheets (seaweed)
• 1/2 cucumber (cut into thin strips)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese or mayonnaise (optional, for extra flavor)
• 100g fresh salmon/tuna or imitation crab (optional for non-vegetarian sushi)
• 1/2 avocado (sliced) (optional)

For Serving:

• Soy sauce (for dipping)
• Wasabi (spicy Japanese paste, optional)
• Pickled ginger (for cleansing the palate, optional)

Recipe

Cook and Season the Rice

-Rinse the sushi rice 2-3 times in cold water until the water runs clear.

-Cook the rice with water in a rice cooker or saucepan until fully done.

-In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then heat it slightly until dissolved.

-Gently fold the vinegar mixture into the rice and let it cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Filling:

-Cut cucumber, carrot, avocado, and seafood (if using) into thin strips.

-Place all the ingredients nearby for easy rolling.

Roll the Sushi:

-Place a bamboo sushi mat (makisu) on a clean surface and put a nori sheet on top (shiny side down).

-Wet your hands slightly and spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top edge free.

-Arrange fillings (cucumber, carrot, avocado, and seafood) in a line near the bottom of the rice.

-Gently lift the edge of the sushi mat and start rolling tightly, pressing slightly to seal the roll.

-Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice it into 6-8 pieces.

Serve the Sushi

-Arrange sushi pieces on a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

-Serve with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Pro Tips:

-✔ Use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth before cutting to prevent rice from sticking.

-✔ For inside-out rolls (Uramaki), place plastic wrap over the bamboo mat, flip the rice-covered nori, and then roll.

-✔ Customize your fillings with cooked shrimp, tempura, tofu, or any other ingredients you like.