| Prep: 45 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 10g | 2g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 6g | 7g | 1.5g |
I have a long-standing love affair with a unique and colorful dish: Badderlocks Rice Rolls. There’s something about the combination of coastal New England’s oceanic flavors and the hearty, comforting essence of my Irish heritage that just does something magical when it’s in the kitchen. This particular recipe embodies that magic in a beautiful and nourishing way.
Nourishment, History, and Love
The humble ingredients found in Badderlocks Rice Rolls not only increase the health quotient but also add a delightful mix of flavors and colors to your plate. Each ingredient plays its own unique role, such as the ripe mangos and strawberries which bring a tropical sweetness that perfectly balances the savory tones of the sushi rice and the badderlocks.
When making these rolls, I find myself thinking back to my grandparents and the love they infused in every meal. Though Badderlocks Rice Rolls are not a part of my traditional ancestral cuisine, the essence of my grandmother’s cooking – the fusion of flavors, the emphasis on nutrient-rich ingredients, and the prioritization of shared experiences – is interwoven in its creation. There is no exclusion when it comes to food and tradition. The cooking skills I learned in my mam and dad’s kitchen in Boston help bring this dish to life, just as they did for countless dishes before. And now, as I make these for my lovely Laura and our newborn, it feels like a new tradition being born.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re thinking about the potential dishes that could pair well with Badderlocks Rice Rolls, consider a warming bowl of Miso Soup. The salty, umami richness of the soup performs an excellent balancing act with the bright and vibrant packed Badderlock Rolls.
In addition, this dish can be seen as a delightful variation of your customary sushi roll. Given this, you could even use it as a complementary dish alongside Veggie Sushi with Miso Tahini Sauce. Not only would this provide a delightful contrast in flavor profiles, but it’ll also continue the theme of healthful, nutritious eating.
Simply put, Badderlocks Rice Rolls is a dish that weaves together the strands of my heritage, my personal passion for cooking, and my family’s commitment to healthy and nourishing meal choices. Making it is a joy, eating it a delight and sharing it? Well, that’s the best part of all. A recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s a story, a history, a testament to the love of food and family and the connections between them. It’s something wonderful and I can’t help but love it.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 sheets badderlocks (also known as “aonori“)
- 2 ripe mangos, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienne
- 6 strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, for dipping
- 1/4 cup wasabi paste, for dipping (optional)
Method
Step One
Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Put the rice and 2 cups of water into a medium pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 more minutes.
Step Two
While the rice is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Once the rice has finished cooking, add this mixture to the pot and fold it into the rice with a wooden spatula. Set the rice aside to cool.
Step Three
Lay a sheet of badderlocks on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread about a sixth of the sushi rice evenly over the badderlocks, leaving about 1 inch of uncovered badderlocks at the top.
Step Four
Arrange a few slices of mango, avocado, bell pepper, cucumber, and carrot in a line on the lower third of the rice-covered badderlocks. Add a strip of strawberries on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Step Five
Roll the sushi tightly, using the bamboo mat to help you, and pressing down firmly as you roll. When you’ve rolled it all the way, moisten the uncovered strip of badderlocks at the top with a little water to seal the roll.
Step Six
Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Repeat the process with the remaining badderlocks sheets and ingredients.
Step Seven
Arrange the rice rolls on a plate and serve with soy sauce and wasabi paste for dipping, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Badderlocks Rice Rolls!
