SUSHI - What is it and can you make it at home?

In Japanese cuisine, sushi is a food made of rice, usually topped with other ingredients including fish (cooked or uncooked) and vegetables. Outside of Japan, sushi is sometimes misunderstood to mean the raw fish by itself, or even any fresh raw-seafood dishes. In Japan, sliced raw fish alone is called sashimi  and is distinct from sushi.  

There are many types of sushi containing various ingredients, but all include rice. The nigiri or hand-made sushi is the typical sushi, sushi rolls, or maki, which are made with sheets of seaweed (nori), and pressed sushi or oshi, which is cut into small squares.  With a little practice, and a few unique tools, many of these can be made right at home!

Check back often for new recipes and instructions to make your own Sushi

This recipe is a simple "restaurant-style" serving for one that will introduce you to the clean flavors and delicate taste of fresh tuna. 

Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare for One 

1/2 cup Sushi Grade Yellow Fin Tuna, Chopped  (ask specifically for sushi grade)
1 tsp  Kalamata Olives, chopped
1/2 tsp  Red Onions, minced
1 tsp  Avocado, diced
1/4 tsp  Fresh Dill, chopped
1 TB  Citrus Vinaigrette (recipe below)

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. (The Kalamata olive is a delicious, dark Greek olive, but regular black olives can be used as a substitute.) Season to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper. Chill until mixture cools thoroughly. Press tuna mixture into a 4 inch round mold or use a biscuit cutter.

Citrus Vinaigrette

1/8 tsp  Smooth Dijon Mustard
1 TB   Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
1 TB   cup Orange Juice 
2 dashes of Tabasco Sauce
1 pinch each of Salt  and White Pepper

In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the olive oil. Using a food processor, slowly add the olive oil in a small stream until the mixture begins to thicken. Reserve in the cooler until Tartare is chilled and ready to assemble.