Veggie Sushi

These sushi rolls are my husband's creation; I'm just the lucky lady who gets to eat them for weekend lunches.  However, he does use my homemade hummus in them, so I am a small part of their creation.  We think anyone will find them tasty, but vegans, vegetarians and those who get nervous of raw fish may particularly be interested.  The sushi pictured does not contain shredded carrots, but he often adds those as well.

Why It's So Awesome (aka, the nutritional stuff):

• Nori (seaweed):  Seaweed is great for you!  It is full of fiber and vitamins A, B,C, E and K.  It also contains calcium and iron, amongst other minerals.  
• Avocados:   Contain fiber, potassium, vitamins C, B6 and K and folate.  
• Brown rice:   A natural whole grain containing fiber and protein.   
• Chick peas:  A good source of plant-based protein and fiber.  

Veggie Sushi
Makes about 32 pieces of sushi.
Since the recipe involves cooked, chilled rice, it is best to make the rice in advance.  

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups brown sushi rice 
• 2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 
• 6 sheets of nori (seaweed sheets)
• 2 whole avocados
• 2 carrots, (optional)
• 1 can of chick peas, drained, reserving 1/3 cup of the liquid
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger to taste
• you will also need a sushi mat.  A sushi set (such as Sushi Deluxe Set) is helpful.  

Preparation: 

1. Prepare rice according to package directions.  The vinegar adds a slightly sweet taste to the rice; add  to taste.  Refrigerate rice until chilled.   
2. Prepare the hummus.  Combine chick peas, reserved liquid, garlic salt and crushed red pepper in a food processor until smooth.  
3. Peel and chop avocados into thin strips.  If using carrots, shred using a food processor or grater. 
4. Roll up your sushi and enjoy!    

I am not going to go into how to roll sushi in this blog (mostly because that is my husband's specialty, and I have yet to master it), so if you don't already know how to make it, there are many tutorials available online.  I like Allrecipes, so here is theirs: http://allrecipes.com/video/303/how-to-make-sushi-rolls/detail.aspx.     

References:
http://www.self.com/blogs/flash/2011/11/3-reasons-to-eat-seaweed-its-g.html
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/8-healthy-facts-about-avocados