How to Make Simple Organic Sushi Rolls

Yesterday, I was feeling ambitious and decided that I would give sushi making a try. Ok, not really sushi — more like California and Asparagus Rolls. I really thought it was going to be super hard and most likely would end in a pile of mush. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I can make sushi rolls. How great is that? And even better, Eben and Mr. Sweet Greens actually ate them and said they were delicious. Yay! Think you can’t make sushi rolls? Think again and follow my simple steps to making your own organic sushi rolls, starting with the sticky rice, read on to learn how.

What you will need to make the sticky rice:

– 1 3/4 cups organic sushi rice
– a thin strip of organic nori
– 3 tablespoons organic rice vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 teaspoons organic sugar
– rice paddle

Step 1: Rinse the rice in a colander under cold water, shake well to make sure that the rice is well rinsed. Let it drain for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Add the rice, nori and 1 1/2 cups of water to a saucepan, stirring occasionally until it comes to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and let cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes more while covered.

Step 3: Move the rice to a wooden bowl, add the vinegar, salt and sugar and turn the rice for 3 minutes until well mixed. Be careful not to smash the rice. Cover with a damp cloth until the rice cools to room temperature.

What you will need to make the rolls:

– an assortment of veggies
– organic cream cheese (optional)
– organic crab meat (optional)
– a sushi mat
– a piece of eco-friendly plastic wrap
– organic nori
– wasabi (optional)
– soy sauce (optional)

Step 1: Slice up your vegetables. (I used organic avocado, cucumber and asparagus.)

Step 2: Cut your sheets of nori in half. (I used 3 sheets of nori for 6 different rolls.)

Step 3: Cover one side of your sushi mat with eco-friendly plastic wrap. Place your piece of nori (rough side up) on the mat and cover with the sticky rice. Flip the nori over so the rice side is face-down on the mat.

Step 4: Place the veggies in rows across the nori. I did a lower layer of avocado, an upper layer of organic crab meat and cucumber in the middle for the California Roll. For the Asparagus roll. I did a layer of asparagus on the top and bottom and cream cheese in the middle.

Step 5: Lift the edge of the mat closest to you and start rolling the sushi roll away from you, pressing in as you roll.  You can find a great video on YouTube here that shows you exactly how to roll.

Step 7: Enjoy with your family and friends.

Do you make your own sushi?
What is your favorite kind?