Weekend In: the Asian Experience

So I was walking through the grocery store and a beautiful idea came to me: Sushi rocks, but waiting for the rice to cool sucks. So I decided to fill that time making a really simple appetizer: Egg Drop Soup.   Now, I'm going to share the recipes.

Egg Drop Soup Appetizer 
1 package of soup mix (I cheated a little on this :/ )
1 egg
2 1/2 cups of water
dried shiitake mushrooms to taste
extra chives

Okay, so I cheated.  I used a package soup mix instead of making my own broth.  Oh well.

Step One: Beat an egg.  Simple enough.  I used a duck egg.

Step Two: Bring water, soup mix and shiitake mushrooms to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Step Three: Slowly add the egg to the boiling soup while stirring gently in one direction.

Step Four: Remove from heat (add chive if you'd like) and serve.

 

Okay.  So maybe not as good as if I'd used real broth, but still very tasty.

Main Dish: Sushi!

To make the rice:

2 cups sushi or short grain rice (I used Arborio)
2 cups water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt

(Note: I cut everything in half.  Makes about 3 rolls in half)

Step One: Place the rice into a mixing bowl and cover with cool water. Swirl the rice in the water, pour off and repeat 2 to 3 times or until the water is clear.

Clear water = Ready to go!

Step 2: Place the rice and water into a medium saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds. 

Step 4: Transfer the rice into a large wooden or glass mixing bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Fold thoroughly to combine and coat each grain of rice with the mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature before using.

 Let it cool.

When it comes to what goes in the rolls, that is totally up to you.  I used a combo of crab, smoked salmon, cucumber and avocado.  I also used sesame seeds for the outside.

You'll want everything to be ready when your rice is ready so that you can just start rolling! So make sure everything is cut into long, thin strips.

Let's get rolling!

I usually do two different kinds of sushi, Hosomaki and Uramaki.

Let's start with the Hosomaki. 

Begin with a sushi mat. (duh)

Place a full piece of sushi nori, smooth side down, on the mat.

Spread a moderate amount of room temperature rice onto the nori, leaving a small space on both the top and the bottom.  You can use your hands (slightly wetted) or a wooden spoon, but you want to handle it as little as possible.

Add your fillings on the bottom third of the rice.

Begin rolling from the bottom, pulling the mat up with one hand, and then pulling the wrap tight with the other.

 

 Remove sushi mat and marvel in the awesomeness. 

Cut in half with a wet knife, place sides together and cut into thirds or fourths.

 

 

Ta-Da!

Uramaki is a little bit different.  There is a way to do it without a mat, but I think that's harder.

Begin with a sushi mat covered in plastic wrap.

Make a square of sushi about the size of a nori sheet on the sushi mat.

Place half of a nori sheet, smooth side up, on the rice.  Top with fillings.

Roll the same way you rolled the Hosomaki making sure the plastic stays on the mat. 

Remove sushi mat and plastic.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds.  Cut in half with a wet knife, place sides together and cut into thirds or fourths.

Ta-Da!

Serve with soy sauce, eel sauce, duck sauce, wasbi, pickled ginger or whatever else you like.  

Now EAT SUSHI!

•  Sushi (with fish) is a power food, high in omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats that help improve cardiovascular health.
•  Sushi is high in protein and low in saturated fat.
• Nori contains a great source of minerals found in the ocean and vinegar acts as an important factor in promoting cell metabolism.
• Sushi is gluten free (for those of you who care). 
• Rice vinegar has amazing antibacterial properties, which have long been used to preserve food. It aids digestion while also lowering the risk of high blood pressure.
• Average life expectancy for both women and men in Japan is one of the highest in the world (it's gotta be the sushi). 

 Proof that sushi will bring health.