Sweet Ricotta “Fruishi”

Directions

Mix the rinsed rice, water, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a rice cooker.  Cook the rice per the rice cooker’s instructions. Once cooked and the rice cooker shuts off, remove the rice cooker insert from the heating element immediately to avoid overcooking.  Keep the lid on the rice until ready for assembly.

If using a stovetop: add ingredients to a medium-sized cooking pot with tight-fitting lid.  Bring the covered pot to a boil over high heat, about 3-5 minutes.  When the water is boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes.  Remove from heat and follow the directions below.

In a blender or food processor, mix together “Ricotta Dipping Sauce” ingredients and blend until smooth.  Reserve to the side for assembly.

Prepare sushi mat by wrapping a rolling mat or bamboo placemat in plastic wrap, flattening and tucking in loose edges.

To assemble your sushi, spread out the prepared mat and, with damp hands, place a handful of Coconut Sushi Rice on the mat.  Spread and flatten the rice firmly until it covers the bottom two-thirds of the mat, leaving the top third as is.

Spread a thin layer of mint or basil leaves on top of the bottom third of the rice.  On the middle third of the rice, below the herbs, spread a tablespoon of the ricotta dipping sauce and arrange the strawberry slices in a single line on top of the sauce. About two-thirds of the rice will be covered. 

Hold the bottom edge of the mat with your thumbs. Roll away from you by carefully lifting the mat and folding it over the first ingredient.  Make sure to keep the ingredients in place and apply enough pressure so the rice sticks together.  Continue to slowly roll the sushi forward and out of your way.  Make sure to tighten the sushi often by rolling it back and forth in the mat.  This will keep the rice stuck together and the ingredients from falling out when you cut the roll.

Rad Tip: Watch one of the many sushi-rolling demonstrations on YouTube before you start.

Carefully place the finished roll on a plate and put into the freezer for 5 minutes to firm it up. To serve, slice the roll in half, and then cut each half into 3 equal pieces. Arrange the pieces on a plate and top with herbs, sliced strawberries, sesame seeds, toasted coconut, and/or edible flowers.

Fresh Idea:

Be inspired!  Create playful rolls by layering colorful soy wrappers or fruit leathers in the filling prior to rolling your “Frui-shi”.  To get the look of nigiri sushi, simply form a ball of sushi rice into an oval and top it with ricotta cream, sliced fruits, and garnishes of your choice.