SUSHI

Is there anyone out there who doesn't like sushi? I haven't met anyone yet, at least not among my generation or younger. I know that our great-grandparents and grandparents tend to be quite skeptical about it since it's simply not a part of our culture. But everyone else just loves it. I believe sushi is a fantastic dish that brings everyone together - kids and adults, vegans and vegetarians, as well as meat-eaters - because it makes everyone happy. My family eats sushi tacos at least once a week (or more accurately, at least twice a week) since they're quicker to prepare. We usually roll up traditional sushi when we have guests or for celebrations when we want to present a beautiful table setting. For many years, I struggled with the problem of not being able to roll sushi neatly; they always ended up looking a bit “off.” That was until I attended a chef training course and learned how to roll them beautifully! I'm excited to share that knowledge with you as well!

Ingredients

• Sushi rice (it's stickier, making it more suitable. But if you don't have that, regular rice will work too)

• Nori sheets

• Fillings for the sushi: there are various options - cucumbers, avocado, carrots, smoked (or plain) tofu, mango, mushrooms, etc.

Aš parodysiu kaip pasigaminti su marinuotais grybais ir agurkais. 

• Mushrooms

• Soy sauce (can be substituted with coconut aminos or tamari)

• Coconut sugar

• Fresh ginger

• Cucumber

• Avocado

• Wasabi

Instructions

I cook the rice and let it cool (I usually do this step the night before).

Next, I prepare the mushrooms: I chop them into 3-4 pieces. I place them in a non-stick pan, add soy sauce, grate some ginger and toss in a tablespoon of coconut sugar (you can substitute it with any sweetener you prefer). I sauté them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.

I slice cucumbers into long strips using a mandoline.

Then, I prepare an avocado and wasabi cream: I mash the avocado with a fork, add a bit of wasabi (to taste, depending on how spicy I want it), and some soy sauce. I mix everything well.

Making of the sushi: I lay out a nori sheet. With damp hands, I spread rice over two-thirds of the sheet, then place mushrooms and cucumbers (or any other favorite fillings) in the middle. I spread some avocado and wasabi cream on the tip of the nori sheet. Then, I roll up the sushi (I show how to do it in a video!).

I slice the sushi roll in half with a sharp knife and then cut each half into two pieces, resulting in a total of six bite-sized pieces.

I place them on a platter and repeat the process until I’ve made enough sushi for everyone who will be eating.

I serve it with soy sauce, avocado and wasabi cream, along with sesame seeds, sprouts and, if desired, some Asian-flavored salad.

BON APPETIT!