I’m Addicted to making veggie sushi!

This year, I’ve been trying to eat better. I have been eating healthy for many years, but there are various levels of what’s healthy, of course, and I slip a lot.

I always try to eat well, but I run out of ideas for things to make, or I feel like I can’t find things I want to eat that fit within my plant-based diet and my budget.

One thing I was craving for awhile was sushi. Sometimes I do get actual sushi (with fish) or sometimes I go for the veggie — either way, buying it is expensive.

So, what if I made it? I made it a few times many years ago, but haven’t since… until now.

At first, I tried a “tomato tuna” recipe that was basically mashed tomatoes and kelp powder to mimic the tuna in the middle of a sushi roll.

This was okay, but I made some avocado rolls and cucumber-carrot rolls alongside it, and honestly enjoyed those even more!

I made more sushi another night, this time only using cucumber, avocado, and some fresh mango — absolutely delish!

I couldn’t get over how easy and affordable it was, and I really got the “sushi satisfaction” by using chopsticks, soy sauce, and loading up my rolls with sriracha (I didn’t have wasabi, but need to get some for next time).

I have now made veggie rolls several times a week and am here to offer up some ideas if you’re looking to do the same:

• I use seaweed wraps for the outside of my rolls, but you could use rice paper wraps, too.
• I use jasmine rice, cooked per the package instructions, and add a tablespoon of rice vinegar as it cools to help make it sticky. Let the rice cool enough so you can handle it and press it into your wrap.
• Then, load it up with about two inches of your filling; I’m still getting the hang of how much rice to include in the rolls vs. the filling, but you’ll figure out what you like best!
• Mix and match these filling ideas: cucumber, avocado, pickled carrots, roasted sweet potato, asparagus, pineapple, mango, bell pepper (roasted or raw), and roasted eggplant. Add panko anywhere you want some crispy crunch!

I have had so much fun making the veggie sushi, and I am looking forward to trying more flavor combinations!

Have you made your own sushi before?

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