Sushi is an ultra-healthy, low-calorie but divinely chic non-diet food imported from Japan. Some people confuse the terms sushi and sashimi. Sushi means “seasoned rice” and sashimi means “sliced raw fish”.  Some of the seafood in sushi is served cooked, and there are even vegetarian options.There are many types of sushi, but all include rice. The nigiri or hand-made sushi is the typical sushi and is served in pairs. Another type includes sushi rolls, or maki, which are made with sheets of seaweed (nori) and served as six slices. There is also pressed sushi or oshi, which is cut into small squares. And finally, there is stuffed bean curd rolls, or inarizushi.

Some sushi is quite complicated, best eaten out or prepared by experienced chefs. But, you can make simple recipes at home with good results with just a little practice. 

One of the advantages of sushi is the lack of equipment needed.

You will need:

• A very sharp knife. The classic sushi knife is called a bento knife, but any sharp knife will do. 
• A bamboo mat or hot pad, called a sushimaki sudare or a makisu. This is used to roll the sushi. 
• A wooden spoon can be used to spread the rice onto the nori, or you can get a wooden or plastic rice paddle, or shamoji. (You can also use your hands, like a sushi chef, but the rice is very sticky.) 
• Rice can be prepared by simply boiling in a pot on the stove. But, you will find rice cookers make the job a good deal easier, especially when dealing with the Japanese sticky rice.

A very important tip for the beginner: Only buy flash-frozen or live fish. If you live on the coast this is easy. If you don’t, make sure the fish is flown in at least weekly. If you are unsure of the freshness of the fish available to you in your area stick to cooked fish and vegetarian recipes.

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RECIPES TO TRY

The Basics of Sushi Rice

The Basic California Roll

Cucumber Roll

Vegetarian Hand Roll

How to Make Pickled Ginger

Hints and Tips

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