| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 15g | 5g | 51g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 7g | 16g | 1.1g |
I have a soft spot for creative, hearty, and nutritious recipes. The Green Laver Sushi Rolls recipe is one that brings a vibrant array of flavors, bursting with wholesome goodness. Despite making a name with Colorado-inspired mountainous fare, there’s something uniquely honest and beautiful about this sushi dish that’s tossed by the waves of the ocean yet grounded by the splendid earthiness of its ingredients.
Connection To Nature
When I devour sushi, particularly a green laver-crowned roll like this one, I’m reminded of the balance in cuisine. The crisp cucumber, the buttery avocado, the tartness of the granny smith apple, all wrapped with tender nori amplifies the flavors of the sea while giving a nod to the garden’s bounty. This fusion of oceanic and earthy elements is quite reminiscent of a meal Gordon and I once had in a quaint sushi bar nestled in downtown Boulder. The taste was nothing less than transcendental, especially paired with a chilled bottle of sake, a kind of poetic tribute to the natural world.
Health Benefits and Complementary Dishes
Aside from its delectable flavor profile, Green Laver Sushi Rolls are not short on health benefits. The sushi rice provides fast-acting carbohydrates for immediate energy, the nori is rich in iodine supporting healthy thyroid function, and the array of vegetables deliver a plethora of vitamins and minerals. Plus, that decadent touch of smoked salmon offers a dose of omega-3 fatty acids that do wonders for heart health. More about sushi health benefits here.
Fusing this Japanese recipe with a touch of Rocky Mountain influence – substituting smoked salmon for trout, for example – works perfectly too. And if you wish to couple this meal with another dish, I highly recommend a warm miso soup or a fresh seaweed salad. You can check a great miso soup recipe here and an awesome seaweed salad recipe here.
Whether it’s for a health kickstart, an intimate home-prep dinner with a partner, or simply for the love of delicious food, this Green Laver Sushi Rolls recipe isn’t one to miss. Dive in and explore a new realm of flavors. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of sushi rice
- 1/3 cup of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 6 sheets of nori (green laver)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves
- 1 granny smith apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 6 ounces of smoked salmon
- Soy sauce for dipping, to taste
- Wasabi and pickled ginger, to taste
- Sesame seeds to sprinkle, optional
Method
Step One
Cook the sushi rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, transfer the rice to a large bowl and let it cool for a minute.
Step Two
In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the rice and mix well until all the rice grains are seasoned. Allow the rice to cool down to room temperature.
Step Three
Place a sushi mat on your working surface and place a sheet of nori on top. Wet your hands with water to prevent the rice from sticking, then spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving about 1 inch free at the top.
Step Four
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese over the rice. On the lower third of the rice, arrange a line of cucumber, avocado, spinach leaves, smoked salmon, and apple slices.
Step Five
Hold the side of the mat closest to you and start rolling the mat away from you, applying some pressure to make sure the roll is tight. Once the roll is completely sealed, remove it from the mat and set it aside. Repeat these steps with the remaining ingredients.
Step Six
Slice each sushi roll into bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife. Arrange the sushi on a platter and sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds, if using.
Step Seven
Serve the sushi rolls with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Green Laver Sushi Rolls!
