Vinegar
sushi dressing
Dissolve the sugar and salt in the vinegar over
low heat. Force cool to room temperature by placing
the bowl of ingredients in a bath of water and
ice.
Toss the rice with
a rice paddle by spreading a thin layer in a wide
shallow plastic or wooden cutting board. Do not
use any metal because the vinegar reacts with
it causing a disturbing taste. Toss with horizontal,
cutting strokes. While tossing, slightly sprinkle
vinegar dressing over the rice. You may not have
to use all the vinegar dressing. Don't add too
much or it will get mushy. At the same time use
a hand fan or paper to cool the rice. To keep
the vinegar rice from drying out, place it in
a container and cover it with a damp cloth. Vinegared
rice should be eaten the same day it is made!
Place the dried gourd into a bowl of warm water to
dehydrate (10-15 min.) Meanwhile remove the outer cucumber
skin and seeds (by running your thumb down the middle).
Slice the cucumber, gobo tempura and takuan (pickled
radish) into rectangular strips. Place the cucumber
strips in a bowl, lightly sprinkle with salt, squeeze
and toss to distribute salt throughout. Once the gourd
strips have softened, place into a sauce pan with 1/4
cup of water and 1/4 cup of soy sauce. Heat uncovered
over medium heat till the
gourd turns brown soaking up the liquid. Place all
the strips of ingredients on a plate or cutting board.
Lay your bamboo mat on a cutting board with bamboo
strips going horizontally from you. Toast the nori
sheets by passing the shiny side over your stove burner
(it will turn color - takes only a few seconds).
Place one sheet of nori on the bamboo mat. Spread 2-3
TBS of rice on 3/4 of the nori - leaving 1-2" with
no rice at the ends. In the center of the spread rice
place all the strips of the filling ingredients. Lift
the bamboo mat and roll once to make a long sushi log
- slightly squeeze along entire roll. Slightly lift
the bamboo mat and roll again till you get to the end
of the nori sheet. The roll should be nice and tight
with ingredients directly in the center. Using a sharp
knife slice the sushi log into 1 1/2" rolls, place
flat on a plate. Serve with dipping sauce - soy sauce
and wasabi.
|