| Sushi has been a Japanese delicacy for centuries and | | | | spatula without squishing them. It is ready when there is |
| was originally intended to preserve fermented fish. | | | | a shine to the grains. |
| Nowadays, sushi bars (famous for its conveyor belts) | | | | The next part requires a bit of creativity. Spread the |
| have become upscale restaurants in high-class cities. | | | | rice on a large piece of seaweed, which in turn is |
| But, you don't need to be upper crust to enjoy this | | | | placed on a sushi mat. Add your toppings on the rice |
| simple Japanese meal. You only need to know how to | | | | and start rolling! You may not get it right the first time, |
| make sushi. | | | | but that's how you make sushi. You rarely get it right |
| There are many sushi-making kits out there with their | | | | the first time. |
| own how-to books and guides. Find a book with simple | | | | A delicious topping for sushi is eggplant. This fruit (yes, |
| recipes that a beginner can try out. You'll be surprised | | | | it is actually a fruit), comes in many shapes and sizes, |
| to see how many simple dishes there really are. | | | | the most common one being purple and long. It can |
| The ingredients are not many. You only need rice | | | | also be cooked in many ways, from being |
| (Japanese is the best bet, since they have a unique | | | | sautéed, char-boiled and even pickled. If you |
| consistency can hold the sushi together), rice vinegar, | | | | want to make it as a sushi topping, you will have to |
| sugar, salt, nori (seaweed) and toppings of your choice | | | | know how to cook an eggplant. |
| (eggs, cucumbers or crabsticks). | | | | The Japanese usually pickle this delicacy and make |
| First, you will have to cook the rice. Most brands | | | | them into tempura. It is best to serve them raw, with a |
| actually give instructions at the back of the packet, but | | | | little lemon juice to prevent browning, if you want it to |
| in case they don't, here are some pointers. You cook | | | | be part of a sushi roll. You can also, grill these beauties |
| the rice the normal way by rinsing it with cold water | | | | on a searing hot grill for a smokier flavor. For those |
| and cook in a rice cooker. What's important is to | | | | stir-fry nuts, cubed eggplants can be added to a hot |
| dissolve the vinegar, salt and sugar in a pan under low | | | | wok with salt, garlic and red chilies. |
| heat for a few minutes before letting it cool in a bucket | | | | Whatever way you cook it, eggplant will always taste |
| of ice. Add the mixture into the cooked rice a little at a | | | | good, especially if it is in a roll of Japanese rice and nori. |
| time. While doing that, you need to 'fold' the rice with a | | | | |