My kids have recently developed a fondness in sushi – which kid doesn’t like sushi right? Sushi rolls are a healthy meal packed with nutrients, including protein, good-for-you fats, and carbohydrates. But of course it will also depend on what ingredients you put in it. There are a few types of sushi and today we are going to do a more kids friendly one – maki rolls. Maki rolls are basically rice and fillings wrapped in seaweed.

Notes: Seaweed is the best dietary source of iodine, which helps support your thyroid gland. It also contains other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, B vitamins, zinc and iron, along with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.

Ingredients (yields 3 rolls)

• 1.5 cups sushi rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup sushi vinegar
• 3 sheets sushi seaweed
• 6 sticks of imitation crab meat
• 2 sticks of cucumber
• 1 avocado (a small one)

Tools you need:

• Bamboo rolling mat (makisu)
• Plastic wrap
• Sharp knife

Method

1. Cook sushi rice according to white rice setting in rice cooker
2. When rice is done cooking, evenly pour vinegar  all over the rice. Toss the rice to mix. Make sure not to mash the rice.
3. Place bamboo rolling mat so the bamboo strips are running horizontally to you. Spread a strip of plastic wrap over the bamboo mat.

1. Center one sheet of nori on the plastic. Spread a thin layer of rice on the sheet of nori, and press into a thin layer. Leave a small space at the top edge of the nori so you can seal up the roll. Arrange cucumber, avocado and imitation crabmeat in a line down the center of the rice. Lift the end of the mat, and gently roll it over the ingredients, pressing gently. Roll it forward to make a complete roll.
2. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
3. Cut each roll into 4 to 6 pcs using a wet, sharp knife.