By Melissa Pette

I got many requests on how to fix sushi for dummies. The easiest recipe to cook sushi, which also teaches us about a wonderful survival story, is the one shared some moons ago by our friend Katsuro Dai.

We know, one of the amazing advantages of living in this little piece of paradise is having access to fresh fruits all year round. And Katsuro Dai also knows it. He shares his tropical sushi recipe with us.

Katsuro also shares a little bit of his story. He and his wife Hoshi are survivors of the 2011 Japan earthquake. I think many of us still have memories of having seen on TV the images of the disaster caused by the earthquake and then the tsunami.

"I lost my home and my beloved pets," Katsuro said. "However, I thank God my children were not at home that day. My family managed to survive."

The Dai family had heard about Costa Rica because a young Tico named Andres was studying at the University near the house where they lived, in the Tōhoku area. One year after the earthquake, in 2012, his wife visited Costa Rica and since then, they have been permanent tourists here.

We are happy for the Dai family!

Now, let's get back to the Sushi recipe. Believe me when I tell you that this Japanese dish will be the king of your table this weekend.

Tropical Sushi

By Katsuro Dai

From Tōhoku, Japan

Living in Coronado, San José

For 4 or 5 servings, the ingredients you will need are:

• 1 cup of cooked white sushi rice.
• 1 and 1/4 cups of water.
• 1/4 cup of vinegar.
• 1 tablespoon of white sugar.
• 1 sour lemon.
• 1 teaspoon of salt.
• 1 sushi mat.
• Your favorite fruits (I preferred pineapple, passion fruit, mango, raspberry, strawberry).
• 1 cucumber.
• 1 avocado.
• 1 carrot.
• Jalapeño pepper juice (optional).
• Philadelphia cream cheese.
• Surimi or Soy or Teriyaki sauce.
• Seaweed sheets.
• White and black sesame seeds.

First the rice. In a pot add the rice, water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let cook for 20 minutes.

Cut the fruits, cucumber, carrot, and avocado into long strips. In a flat container add them with surimi sauce and a few drops of lemon juice. Here you can add a few drops of jalapeño pepper juice if you like spicy food. Mix carefully.

Spread the seaweed. Put the rice on top. Flatten gently with a rice paddle. Remember to leave enough space on both sides to be able to roll.

 

Place the fruits mixture onto the rice. Roll it up. Press with the help of a mat until the seaweed is rolled.

It is easier if you moisten your hands with water so that the seaweed does not stick to your fingers. Roll the sushi roll over the sesame seeds. Cut the sushi roll into pieces. Eat them with Teriyaki sauce. Enjoy!

Have a Pura Vida weekend!

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Find more amazing step-by-step Costa Rican food recipes on the AM Costa Rica Food & Good Eating website. You are invited to share your favorite recipes with a horizontal photo of the dish by emailing food@amcostarica.com