So.. we're now living in a lovely little town (or city, depending on how you view it) that has great fresh air, no traffic jams, inexpensive real estate... but no Japanese food! I mean real sashimi, sushi that has raw fish... not canned tuna!
Sushi rice was easily obtained as was sheets of Nori and a bamboo mat for rolling maki. In desparation we scoured the internet on sushi recipes and tried to substitute fish with local foods. Instead of unagi (BBQ eel), we were able to buy local Manuka Smoked fish which was really tasty. Tamago (egg omelette) was not too much a problem.. and of course, a local Maori delicacy, kina turns out to be Japanese uni! Sadly, we have not found fish of sashimi quality in our local market/supermarket, but we have found a NZ supplier that will service online orders. (we have yet to explore this option)
So as you see, our first attempt was not so presentable - we put too much rice, didnt roll them tight enough and they fell apart easily. Still, they tasted OK to someone feeling deprived of Japanese food! The smoked fish made great beer food too! (note our lovely styrofoam temporary dining table!) On our second attempt, we made tighter and neater rolls and even managed more than 1 type of maki (note we have a proper table now!)
Until we can find really fresh fish, any desires for sashimi must be satisfied by a 1 hour drive to the nearest larger city which has a real Japanese restaurant. Sigh...
Sushi rice was easily obtained as was sheets of Nori and a bamboo mat for rolling maki. In desparation we scoured the internet on sushi recipes and tried to substitute fish with local foods. Instead of unagi (BBQ eel), we were able to buy local Manuka Smoked fish which was really tasty. Tamago (egg omelette) was not too much a problem.. and of course, a local Maori delicacy, kina turns out to be Japanese uni! Sadly, we have not found fish of sashimi quality in our local market/supermarket, but we have found a NZ supplier that will service online orders. (we have yet to explore this option)
So as you see, our first attempt was not so presentable - we put too much rice, didnt roll them tight enough and they fell apart easily. Still, they tasted OK to someone feeling deprived of Japanese food! The smoked fish made great beer food too! (note our lovely styrofoam temporary dining table!) On our second attempt, we made tighter and neater rolls and even managed more than 1 type of maki (note we have a proper table now!)
Until we can find really fresh fish, any desires for sashimi must be satisfied by a 1 hour drive to the nearest larger city which has a real Japanese restaurant. Sigh...
