Tag Archives: quinoa

{homemade} sushi

I love sushi and to be honest of all the things I miss the most so far during this pregnancy it is raw fish + wine….. (in moderation of course ;) )

I usually always order vegetarian sushi anyways, but certainly enjoy a good dose of sashimi. people often think that sushi is a healthy option, and I’m not here to burst anyone’s bubble but….the sushi that most north american’s tend to consume certainly airs more on the side of UNhealthy vs. healthy. deep fried, tempura, cream cheese, spicy mayo, white rice and lots of soy sauce…. not necessarily beauty food per say.

while moderation is fine, why not make some of your very own sushi at home that is much more nutritious.

instead of white rice I used nutrient dense quinoa. fresh raw veggies. and braggs amino liquids or tarmari that are better options than sodium laden soy sauce.


Ingredients:

  • nori wraps
  • quinoa (I had mine pre-cooked which made this a very easy meal to prepare)
  • carrots
  • red bell pepper
  • avocado
  • other options: cucumber, avocado, shiitake mushrooms (sautéed + cooled), red cabbage …. the options are endless really.
  • option: if you don’t have any quinoa you could also substitute brown rice which is still a much better option than white rice
  • sesame seeds
  • a bit of water in a small bowl to help seal your rolls
  • materials: optional is a bamboo mat that you can affordably purchase at your local grocery or health food store to help roll each sushi roll

ingredients + method for dressing to be added to your quinoa/rice:

  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp agave nectar
mix the three ingredients in a small bowl by whisking together. pour over your quinoa and combine well.

 


Method:

  1. prepare the dressing mixture to be added to your quinoa. add all ingredients to a small bowl + combine. pour over the quinoa and mix well.
  2. chop your vegetables or whatever you are using to fill your sushi rolls into small pieces (julienne style).
  3. now you are ready to assemble! lay a nori wrap on your bamboo mat if you are using one.
  4. spread your quinoa on a nori wrap, leaving about an inch around the perimeter of the wrap.
  5. on the left or right side of your wrap that now has the quinoa mixture on it, add a layer of your veggies.
  6. using your mat OR just your magical hands roll the nori over the layered veggies to start a roll. roll the entire wrap as tightly as you can and then using a bit of water on your fingers, rub some water on the nori wrap to seal the roll.
  7. set aside and continue rolling!

you can let these sit for a few moments in the fridge before cutting if you wish OR enjoy ASAP like I did. it helps to have a sharp knife to cut your rolls into pieces. and you can even make a hand roll like you see I did.


voila! tasty, healthy + super affordable sushi that you can make yourself.


I am in love with this quote that I read today ….

“There’s no need to wait for the bad things to be over. Change now. Love now. Live now. Don’t wait for people to give you permission to live, because they won’t.”

~ Kris Carr, Author


amen Miss Carr. think of the power you have today to start changing right NOW!?! believe and know that you are worth it!

sending you much love + the power to make some changes today!

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kale, spinach + avocado salad with lemon tahini dressing

it has felt like a whirlwind of a weekend, but my sister is now married and I am absolutely thrilled to have a new brother-in-law. we had a wonderful day of loving celebrations on saturday and I was truly honoured to stand-up with my sister on her big day.

I am still at home for the week and there are lots of things on my to-do-list. but before I run out the door again…I wanted to share with you this wonderful salad that made for a super delicious + satisfying dinner for the husband and I. we were both looking for something a bit smaller but still hearty enough to fill us up. I would (and will) make this salad again in a heart beat. you can eat this alone as a salad or add it to a wrap of your choice.

Ingredients:

  • kale
  • spring mix AND/OR spinach
  • 3 tbsp hemp seeds
  • 1 avocado
  • nut pate
  • 1/2 cup quinoa (previously cooked)
  • nori wraps (optional)
Method:
  1. wash + chop your greens. add to a large bowl.
  2. peel + chop avocado into small pieces.
  3. make lemon tahini dressing (see directions below).
  4. add the lemon tahini dressing to your mixed greens + combine well.
  5. top your salad with hemp seeds, nut pate, quinoa + avocado.
  6. you can enjoy the salad as it is or add it to a nori wrap like I did. I love almost anything rolled up in a nori wrap!

Lemon Tahini Dressing Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp water
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • juice of a lemon
  • cayenne

Method:

  1. mince garlic.
  2. add all ingredients to a blender or food processor.
  3. blend until smooth.
  4. you will likely have some extra leftover, so place in a mason jar + store in the fridge.


“Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.” ~ Jerry Rice


have a fabulous monday beauties!

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