Now we're talking. I've got to admit though I've never considered vegetarian sushi before. Rolls are easy enough. Any suggestions for nigiri type sushi toppings? My first reaction would be to get out the mandoline and top with some vegetable carpaccio.
Keep the suggestions rolling in!
Exactly. There are so many veggies you can roll with; my fav is avocado, thinly sliced cucumber , you can always seal it with shiso leaves. There is pickled radish, mushroom, tofu, asparagus, carrot, or a 3 color peppers .
There is also Tanago.
Another thought would be spring rolls done Asian style with peanut sauce or asparagus pasta rolls:
As a side, last night I went to see the movie "
Jiro Dreams of Sushi" . Before we walked into the cinema we were handed this small paper to read: (please don't get bored with me lol)
"Jiro Dreams of Sushi is the story of 85 year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world's greatest sushi chef. He is the owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10 seat, sushi-only restaurant inauspiciously located in a Tokyo subway station. Despite its humble appearances, sushi lovers from around the globe make repeated pilgrimage, calling months in advance and shelling out top dollar for a coveted seat at Jiro's sushi bar.
For most of his life, Jiro has been mastering the art of sushi , but even at his age he sees himself still striving for perfection, working from sunrise to well beyond sunset to taste every piece of fish; meticulously train his employees; and carefully mold and finesse the impeccable presentation of each sushi creation. At the heart of this story is Jiro's relationship with his eldest son Yoshikazu, the worthy heir to Jiro's legacy, who is unable to live up to his full potential in his father's shadow.
"Breathtaking, inspirational and humbling. Anyone passionate about craft, cooking and excellence should watch." Eric Ripert.""
It was a fine movie. One of the techniques used with octopus because its tough, before poaching it they would massage the fish for 45 minutes in a large metal bowl to tenderize the meat. The tiny kitchen was extremely clean and yet every apprentice knew his job for the day. It takes 10 years to apprentice under him, and then once the ten years are up he will then allow the art of tenago to be made. One of the apprentices made 200 trays of tenago, they were all rejected till finally he made one that Jiro was happy with. He emphasized the purity of the dish, staying with fresh, unadulterated products , perfecting technique. When people sit at his sushi bar he knows in advanced where a man/woman/child will be seated. He takes note of which hand you grabbed your sushi with and consequently places the next piece on the side of the plate your hand will touch. Woman get a piece just a bit smaller so that everyone can finish at the exact same time. He started making sushi at the ripe old age of 7 years old. Can you believe this ? I enjoyed the market scenes as well, grading fish, tasting, texture etc. then the bidding began.
sorry about my rambling....I had no sooner posted sushi , not expecting to see this movie last night. Yep, went for sushi (tiny rest-great) then to China town for bubble tea( coffee/coconut- there were tiny squares of jellied coffee in the coconut drink- nice). What a night.
Alot of great suggestions so far.....win her heart Benway....we are cheering for you.