Sunshine Serenade

 Sushi

Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that consists of small balls or rolls of vinegared rice that are usually topped with seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients. The most common form of sushi is the makizushi, which is a rolled form that is typically wrapped in nori (dried seaweed) and filled with ingredients such as raw fish, seafood, cucumber, avocado, and others. Sushi can also take the form of Nigiri, which is a small bite-sized ball of rice topped with a piece of seafood or other ingredients. Sushi is often served with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi, and is considered a popular delicacy worldwide.

Ingredients:

2 cups sushi rice

2 cups water

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

Nori sheets

Fillings of your choice (e.g. avocado, cucumber, cooked shrimp, crab meat, etc.)

Wasabi paste (optional)

Soy sauce (optional)

Instructions:

Rinse the sushi rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed.

In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt and heat until the sugar has dissolved.

When the rice is done cooking, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Stir gently until the rice has cooled to room temperature.

To assemble the sushi rolls, place a nori sheet shiny-side down on a sushi mat, with the longer end facing you. Spread a thin layer of rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch strip at the top uncovered.

Place your desired fillings along the bottom edge of the nori, near you. Roll the mat away from you, using the mat to shape the roll. Keep the roll tight but not too tight as to crush the fillings.

When the roll is complete, seal the final strip of nori to the rice with a bit of water. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.

To serve, cut the rolls into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife. Serve with wasabi paste and soy sauce, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade sushi rolls!