Kanpyo Sushi Roll

Kanpyo sushi roll, also known as Kanpyo maki, is a traditional Japanese sushi roll that features a filling made from dried gourd strips called kanpyo. It's a vegetarian sushi roll that offers a unique and delightful flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked sushi rice
• 4 sheets of nori (seaweed)
• 1 cup kanpyo (dried gourd strips)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Optional fillings: cucumber, avocado, or pickled radish (takuan)
• Soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for serving

Instructions:

1. Soak the kanpyo strips in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them. Drain and rinse them.
2. In a saucepan, combine the kanpyo, sugar, soy sauce, and mirin. Add enough water to cover the kanpyo. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the kanpyo is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
3. Remove the kanpyo from the saucepan and let it cool. Cut it into thin strips, about the same width as the nori sheets.
4. Place a sheet of nori on a bamboo sushi mat or a clean kitchen towel.
5. Moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking, and evenly spread about 1/2 cup of sushi rice over the nori, leaving a small border at the top.
6. Arrange a few strips of kanpyo horizontally on top of the rice, leaving space at the edges.
7. If desired, add other fillings like cucumber, avocado, or pickled radish alongside the kanpyo.
8. Using the sushi mat or kitchen towel, tightly roll the sushi away from you, applying gentle pressure to shape it.
9. Wet a sharp knife with water and slice the sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.
10. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make more rolls.
11. Serve the Kanpyo sushi rolls with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Kanpyo sushi rolls provide a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with the sweetness of kanpyo complementing the seasoned sushi rice. Enjoy these vegetarian sushi rolls as a delicious and healthy option for sushi lovers.