Kappa Maki Sushi also known as a Cucumber Sushi Roll or Kappa Roll, is a simple and classic sushi roll consisting of cucumber wrapped in sushi rice and nori (seaweed). It is a popular sushi among people in Japan.
Sushi is often associated with fish and seafood, but Kappa Maki Sushi features cucumber, offering a refreshing and delightful choice, especially for vegetarians. Here's how you can make Kappa Maki Sushi at home:
The sushi roll, known as Maki sushi or Nori maki in Japanese, is made by wrapping a nori sheet (seaweed) around a layer of sushi rice seasoned with a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, along with the chosen main ingredient in the center.
There are two different size of Maki sushi or Nori maki .
1. Hosomaki - It is a thin sushi rolls, typically contains one main ingredient inside the roll. Kappa maki is a type of hosomaki.
2. Futomaki - It is a thicker sushi rolls that can contain multiple ingredients.
Ingredients of Making Kappa Maki :
For the sushi rice:
- 1 cup sushi rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Kappa Maki:
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced into long strips
- Nori (seaweed) sheets
- Soy sauce, for dipping
- Pickled ginger and wasabi (optional, for serving)
Instructions of Making Kappa Maki Sushi:
Preparing the Sushi Rice:
1. Take the sushi rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Then drain the water well.
2. Now take the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water in a saucepan, Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and cook on low heat (simmer) for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
3. By the time rice is cooking, take the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan and heat over low heat until the sugar and salt dissolve. stir it constantly and when sugar and salt dissolve, remove it from heat and let it cool.
4. Check the rice and if it is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the vinegar mixture over the hot rice and gently fold it in with a wooden spatula or rice paddle. Mix continuously until the rice is evenly coated with the vinegar mixture. Be careful not to mash the rice. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before using it for making sushi rolls.
Preparing of Cucumbers:
1. Cut both ends of the cucumber and slice along the length into four or six equal pieces. Remember that the length of cucumber should be same of the size of the nori sheet. If the cucumber is longer, adjust the length to match.
Assembling the Kappa Maki:
1. Place a bamboo sushi rolling mat on a flat surface. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap or a sheet of parchment paper on top of the bamboo mat.
2. Place a sheet of nori on the plastic wrap, shiny side down and rough side up. Wet your fingers with water to prevent the rice from sticking, and spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving about 1/2 inch of nori uncovered at the top.
3. Lay cucumber strips horizontally across the center of the rice.
4. Carefully lift the bamboo mat with the edge of the nori closest to you, and roll it over the cucumber, applying gentle pressure to shape the roll. Roll continuously until you reach the uncovered strip of nori at the top.
5. Moisten the exposed strip of nori with a little water and complete rolling, sealing the roll.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
7. Cut each sushi roll into bite-sized pieces using a sharp, wet knife. Wipe the knife clean between every cut to prevent sticking.
8. Serve your Kappa Maki with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade Kappa Maki! It's a light and refreshing sushi roll that's perfect for sushi lovers who enjoy the taste of crisp cucumber.
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