| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 8g | 3g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 2g | 5g | 0.41g |
The moment I tasted Cucumber Sushi Rolls, I knew I had a dish that could transcend culinary boundaries. By nature, sushi relies on minimalism and precision – an artwork of edible simplicity. But bear in mind, simplicity is not a synonym for ‘easy’. Like a dollop of cream on a tarte au citron, or the perfect sugar dusting on a beignet, it’s the attention to detail that elevates a dish from ‘good’ to ‘divine’. Despite sushi’s Japanese origins, I could sense an affinity with my classic French and Creole roots in this beautiful fusion.
Nutrition and Flavor Working Hand in Hand
What really makes Cucumber Sushi Rolls special, is the wonderful fusion of health and flavor. These rolls are packed with nutrition. Cucumbers are a great source of hydration, and known to reduce blood sugar levels while promoting digestive health. Avocado, of course, is a superstar, filled with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and several essential vitamins and minerals.
Then, sweet mango and strawberries, not only add an element of fruity exoteness, but also offer a bounty of antioxidants. This is complemented by the use of sushi rice, a good source of fast-digesting carbohydrates and vital for its essential role in sushi preparation. Cream cheese and sesame seeds add just the right amount of creamy richness and nutty flavor. Add a splash of soy sauce and every bite is a burst of contrasting tastes and textures, akin to an elegantly constructed French éclair.
A Radiant Culinary Experience
If you’re a sushi aficionado, you might compare Cucumber Sushi Rolls to ‘Futomaki’, a Japanese sushi roll with vegetable fillings. The difference here is an emphasis on unique ingredients like succulent strawberries and refreshing cucumber as the primary wrap instead of traditional nori (seaweed).
This could pair well with a variety of dishes, perhaps a light salad or miso soup to commence the meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, it could even complement some classic Creole sides like a festive ‘Maque Choux’ salad or Cajun-spiced ‘Dirty Rice’. A multi-cultural feast, characterizing the modern global table.
I encourage you to relish the process when you make this recipe. The gentle press of sushi rice on the cucumber, the careful layering of fruits and cream cheese, and the final roll. It’s culinary meditation at its finest. This could be your first step into a bigger world of sushi or perhaps, it might spur an exploration into the bountiful possibilities of French-Creole fusion cuisine. After all, every culinary journey is unique and filled with delicious surprises!
You can find some more amazing fusion recipes in this Bon Appétit listicle.
So, why not invite the beauty of diversity to your table with Cucumber Sushi Rolls? After all, life tastes better when it’s savored in all its delicious diversity.
What You’ll Need
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 cup of sushi rice
- 1/4 cup of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 large avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 large mango, thinly sliced
- 6 strawberries, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce for dipping (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your sushi rice. Rinse the cup of sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, remove from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 10 minutes.
Step Two
While the rice is sitting, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Pour this mixture over the cooked sushi rice and stir gently to combine. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
Step Three
Prepare your fillings. Thinly slice the avocado, mango, and strawberries. Set aside.
Step Four
Slice off the ends of each cucumber and use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin. Then, using a long, narrow knife or a cucumber corer if you have one, hollow out the center of each cucumber.
Step Five
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Using a small spoon, fill the center of each cucumber with a layer of cream cheese.
Step Six
Next, add a layer of sushi rice, pressing it down gently to make sure it sticks to the cream cheese.
Step Seven
Now it’s time to add your fruit. Layer the avocado, mango, and strawberry slices on top of the rice, then top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Step Eight
Finally, slice each cucumber into rounds about 1 inch thick. These are your cucumber sushi rolls! Serve them with a side of soy sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy your healthy and delicious treat!
