| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 335 | 9g | 2g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 5g | 7g | 1.1g |
As a revered Bostonian with an Irish lineage, I’ve always treasured the fusion of food culture that my background offers. This is beautifully demonstrated in one of my favorite culinary creations, the Garland Chrysanthemum Sushi Roll. This sushi roll, laden with the refreshing and healthful vibrancy of Garland Chrysanthemum, is not just a work of art for the eyes but also a feast for the senses.
Infusing Cultures and Health Benefits
This recipe emerged from an intersection of my passion for New England seafood and Irish comfort foods, incorporating elements of Japanese culinary artistry. While it may seem an unusual combination, the Garland Chrysanthemum Sushi roll is surprisingly sumptuous and inviting. What’s more, this vegetable-based sushi roll is far more than just a delicious dish—it’s a powerhouse of health benefits. Garland Chrysanthemum, also known as Shungiku in Japan, is a traditional Asian green renowned for its antioxidants, vitamins, and mineral-packed content that can boost your immune system, promote healthy eyes, and facilitate digestion. You can find more about its health benefits here
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
The Garland Chrysanthemum Sushi Roll, with its adequate freshness and subtle flavors, pairs beautifully with a cold glass of sake or a crisp Chardonnay. It is akin to the more commonly found California roll, but with an intensely flavorful twist. This sushi roll also works perfectly when paired with a simple Miso Soup if you’re planning for a Japanese dining experience at home. Need inspiration? Check out this miso soup recipe.
As my lovely fiancée Laura and I often joke, our son will grow up in a house where sushi rolls and shepherd’s pie share table space. As the kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of my childhood favorites, I find great joy in creating something as colorful, nutritious, and exciting as the Garland Chrysanthemum Sushi Roll.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Sushi Rice
- 3 cups of Water
- 1/4 cup of Rice Vinegar
- 6 sheets of Nori (seaweed)
- 1 cup of Garland Chrysanthemum Leaves, finely chopped
- 1 Avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 Mango, thinly sliced
- 1 small Cucumber, thinly sliced
- 6 oz. Fresh Strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of Sesame Seeds
- 1/4 cup of Sushi Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup of Pickled Ginger
- Wasabi, to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the sushi rice with cool water until the water runs clear. This usually needs three or four rinses. Now, allow the rice to drain for about 30 minutes. This is crucial to ensure the grains cook evenly.
Step Two
Transfer the drained rice to a rice cooker. Add the 3 cups of water and begin cooking according to your rice cooker’s manual.
Step Three
While the rice is cooking, in a small saucepan, gently heat the rice vinegar. Once the rice is done, transfer it to a large bowl and while the rice is still hot, pour the warmed vinegar over it. Fold gently to combine, ensuring not to mash the grains. Allow the rice to cool.
Step Four
Whilst the rice is cooling, prepare the filling. Finely chop the garland chrysanthemum and place it in a bowl. Thinly slice the avocado, mango, cucumber, and strawberries and set them aside.
Step Five
Now we’re ready to prepare the sushi rolls. On a sushi mat, lay out a sheet of Nori. Photos with the rough side of the Nori touching the rice. Moisten your hands and spread a layer of sushi rice over the Nori, making sure to leave a border at the top for sealing the roll.
Step Six
Sprinkle a small amount of sesame seeds onto the rice, then arrange a line of garland chrysanthemum, avocado, mango, cucumber, and strawberries along the bottom edge of the rice.
Step Seven
With the help of the sushi mat, roll the sushi up from the bottom, applying gentle pressure to keep everything in place. Continue this until you reach the top border. Moisten the top border with a little water and seal the sushi roll.
Step Eight
Repeat these steps with the remaining ingredients. Once all the sushi rolls are done, use a sharp knife to slice them into 1-inch rolls. Serve with Sushi Soy Sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Garland Chrysanthemum Sushi Roll!
