Preparation / Directions:
CALIFORNIA ROLL: 1. Place one Nori sheet on a flat surface with the shiny side down and the coarse side up. 2. Place the sushi rice 1/2-inch from the bottom, 2-inches from the top, 1/2-inch thick, and completely covering the Nori from side to side. 3. Spread some wasabi paste across the center of the rice, from side to side. 4. Spread the crab on top of the wasabi. Place the cucumber on top, and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. 5. Fold the bottom of the Nori towards the center, just so that the ingredients are covered. Roll it up. Seal the roll by placing 4 grains of rice along the top edge of the Nori, and press them together. 6. Cut the roll in 4 pieces. Repeat the process.
SUSHI RICE: 1. In a large bowl place the rice. Add the water and very gently wash the rice with your hands. Do this for 15 minutes, or until the liquid becomes clear. 2. Cook the rice in a rice cooker, according to the manufacturer's directions. When the rice is done do not open the lid, but let it sit for 20 minutes. 3. In a small saucepan place the vinegar and the sugar. Heat on low until the mixture is warm. Add the salt, and remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature. 4. Working very quickly, place 2 cups of the warm rice on a cookie sheet. Take 1/3 cup of the sauce and pour it over the rice. Using a wide, wooden spatula, flatten out the rice. Cut it and turn it over so that the grains separate and mix well with the sauce (be careful not to damage the rice grains). 5. On another cookie sheet quickly repeat the process, until all of the rice is saturated and the grains are separated. 6. Let the rice sit for 10 minutes.
NOTES: The only hard part is making of the sushi rice. It takes even professional chefs about one year to make a perfect sushi rice. No matter how it turns out, it still will be good. It takes a lot of experience to learn how to mix in the vinegar and separate the rice. You can't damage the grains, and if you are too slow then the rice will get cold and the grains won't separate.
ABOUT SHOHKO CAFE: Serving both Japanese and Chinese fare, the Shohko Cafe is probably the world's only sushi bar with vigas and adobe walls! Its extreme popularity is a testament to the impeccability with which the excellent dishes are prepared. The cafe is located in Santa Fe, New
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