Veggie Sushi

While observing a friend make sushi at a party a while ago I was inspired to create my own veggie recipe...it's so easy and fun to make, and a good combination of healthy ingredients is just as tasty (if not tastier!) and filling, without the fish.

I have since made it on at least a 1/2 dozen occasions, for my family, parties and pot lucks, and the feedback is always very positive, so I decided to share the recipe here.

Ingredients:
Roasted Seaweed - each sheet makes 5 pieces

(best value is buying 50 in a bag at an Oriental Food Market)
Brown Rice
Lentils

Thin, matchstick-like pieces of carrots, cucumbers, sprouts

(you can use avocado, red pepper, tomatoes, etc.)

For the sauce blend the following:
2 handfuls of walnuts
2 stalks of celery

1 Tbs lemon/lime juice
1 minced garlic
2 shakes of curry powder

* Optional -Sea Salt

Also use:

Ginger dressing (homemade or from the market)

Bragg (Healthy Soy Sauce substitute)

Cook rice and lentils together - 3/4 cup of brown rice and 1/4 cup lentils to 2 cups water.

When water has boiled, put in rice and lentils on medium low for approx. 20-25 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables and sauce.

When all is ready, mix the sauce with the rice and lentils.

Lay out the Seaweed Sheet on a mat, flat plate or cutting board.

Drop a spoonful of the ginger dressing and spread all around.
Put 2 Tbs of the rice mixture along the edge closest to you, and lay a few pieces of vegetables.

Start rolling it away from you until it's done, and set aside on a plate.
Continue the same with each one and then put the plate full of your rolls in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to 'settle'. (Can be longer, but not shorter than that or they may fall apart when you slice them.)

With a very sharp knife, slice each end of the roll off, and then slice your pieces to about 3/4".

To present your sushi attractively, place on a white tray or plate with space between each piece, decorate with garnish and perhaps a few sprinkles of Soy Sauce.

Tastes extra great dipped in Soy Sauce so have some available in a little bowl on the side. Use your fingers, or some chopsticks, and enjoy!

Apples & Hummus!

Have you tried dipping apple slices in Hummus? You must, right away, it is SO delicious! Enjoy it as a healthy snack, and serve it at your next dinner party or event and I personally guarantee you will get rave reviews!

Our friend Noy came up with this combo and shared it with us at a recent gathering, and we couldn't believe we had never tried it before as we are avid consumers of hummus and have eaten it with most every type of vegetable, pita, chip and cracker, but never apple...how could this be?

I recently shared this special treat with friends & family and all were just as pleasantly surprised as I was!

The sweet & crunchy taste of the apple and the spicy & flavorful taste of the hummus is a real party for the taste buds.


Try different kinds of apple, pear, and other hard and crunchy fruit, it will all taste great. You can find hummus in most every grocery store or supermarket, or make it yourself in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

One can chick peas - rinsed very well (or dried beans soaked overnight and cooked) 
4-5 tablespoons of techina (tahini)
Juice from 1 & 1/2 lemon
Dash of pepper (optional sea salt if you like)
Dash of paprika
A few dashes of cumin
2 garlic cloves minced or a few dashes of garlic powder
Small handful of parsley
* Optional - fresh basil, za'atar (middleastern spice), tablespoon extra virgin olive oil mixed in or dripped on top with toasted pine nuts 

In a Food Processor or Blender mix all ingredients and add water, little by little, until the consistency is smooth, rich and thick. Process or blend for at least a few minutes.

Hope you enjoy!