Here's a simple recipe for making veg sushi rolls at home.
Ingredients:
For Sushi Rice:
1 cup sushi rice (short-grain rice)
1 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
For Sushi Rolls:
Nori sheets (seaweed)
1 small cucumber, julienned
1 avocado, sliced
1 small carrot, julienned or grated
Bell peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
Cream cheese (optional for a creamier texture)
Pickled radish, thinly sliced (optional)
Fresh spinach leaves or any leafy greens (optional)
For Serving:
Soy sauce
Pickled ginger
Wasabi
Instructions:
Prepare Sushi Rice:
Rinse the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from being too sticky.
Cook the Rice: In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
Season the Rice: While the rice is still warm, gently fold in the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Spread the rice onto a plate or tray and let it cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Sushi Rolls:
Prepare the Ingredients: Have all your vegetables cut and ready to go. Make sure all ingredients are dry to avoid soggy sushi.
Lay Out the Nori: Place a nori sheet on a bamboo sushi mat (makisu) or a piece of parchment paper if you don’t have a mat.
Spread the Rice: With damp hands, spread a thin layer of sushi rice over the nori, leaving about a half-inch or so of nori uncovered at the top to seal the roll. Don't press the rice too hard onto the nori.
Add the Fillings: Lay out your choice of fillings in a line at the bottom of the rice-covered nori.
Roll the Sushi: Start rolling from the bottom (the edge with the fillings), using the mat or parchment paper to firmly but gently roll the sushi into a tight cylinder. Use a little water on the uncovered strip of nori to help seal the roll.
Cut the Sushi: With a sharp, damp knife, cut the roll into bite-sized pieces. Clean the knife between cuts to make slicing easier.
Serve:
Serve your vegetarian sushi with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi. Enjoy your homemade veg sushi!
Feel free to get creative with the fillings based on your preferences. Veg sushi is incredibly versatile, so experiment with different combinations of vegetables and even fruits for a variety of flavors and textures.
