That's a Wrap! Hand Rolled Temaki
Do you like sushi? Have you ever wanted to make it, but didn’t know what to do or know where to start? A basic type of sushi, Japanese temaki (hand roll) is made using rice and vegetables, making it simple to put together and vegan friendly!
Traditionally, temaki is made of seasoned sushi rice, an assortment of vegetables, and fish, wrapped in a hand-rolled cone of nori (Japanese dried seaweed) and eaten with your hands. Traditional Japanese sushi uses steamed white rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, but try using brown rice as a healthier substitute.
Creativity and different taste preferences will guide you in creating the perfect personalized wrap, using various vegetables such as carrots, avocados, snow peas, asparagus, rice, radish sprouts, risotto, noodles, sesame seeds, shiitake mushrooms and so much more – there is no limit to all the delicious combinations you can come up with! Lettuce is commonly used for wraps, but cabbage and collard leaves are other great alternatives, as well. Hummus, tzatziki, or miso-ae (a Japanese sauce made with miso paste) can be added to your masterpiece for drizzling or dipping.
A perfect food for get-togethers or family dinner nights, temaki allows each person to make and enjoy their own creations based on their favorite mix of foods. As the host or hostess, be sure you prepare the toppings ahead of time. This allows for quality time with your guests or family and less stress for you! Soy sauce and wasabi (Japanese horseradish) are the traditionally-preferred dipping sauces, but you can use your imagination and be creative. Once you master temaki, you will be ready to start exploring other types of sushi!
Many cultures have their own version of wraps: burritos, pitas, spring rolls, falafels, etc. Wraps can be made from rice, corn or wheat flour and prepared in so many ways. Keeping the ingredients simple and nutritious, like brown rice and any of your favorite vegetables, guarantees a low-carb, healthy choice for the conscientious eater.
In this fast-paced world, healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make wraps are the perfect solutions for today’s active lifestyle. The possibilities are endless! It’s also a great way to use leftovers or increase your vegetable consumption, as well as being a healthy alternative to traditional sandwiches. Because we are conscious of the food we consume, why not learn about alternatives to commercially prepared foods that lack good nutrition? Whether you are off to work, school, a family outing, or running errands, wraps could be an economical, delicious, and wise choice!
Lori Tsugawa Whaley is a third-generation Japanese American and a descendant of the Samurai Warrior. As an inspirational speaker, she is on a mission to teach individuals who want to make a difference in the world with the Ancient Principles of the Samurai so that they can live their lives with courage, honor, and integrity.
