Traditionally, sushi follows a taste profile of salty, sour and slightly sweet. But like any other regional recipe that has made its mark in the global gastronomic world, sushi has been reinterpreted time and time again to suit the diverse palates of those who wish to savour it. Check out these unique fusion sushi recipes handpicked to bring in punchy Indian flavours.
South Indian Tofu Rice Sushi
This quirky South Indian Tofu Rice Sushi recipe uses the traditional sushi ingredients of rice and nori seaweed, but replaces the rest with tasty Indian staples for a mouthwatering dish. Check out this gourmet creation from The Mindful Veggie.
material: For sushi rice – 1 cup, Water – 1 1/2 cups, Salt – 1/2 tsp, Yogurt – 1/4 cup, Mango pickle, Nori sheets – 2 sheets, For tadka – Mustard seeds – 1 tsp, Ginger 1/2 inch, Hing – a pinch. You will also need sushi rolls.
Method: Wash the sushi rice several times and pressure cook it on medium high heat until it whistles three times, then lay it flat and let it cool quickly. Once cooled, sprinkle salt on the rice. Prepare the tadka and add it. Next add the yogurt, making sure the mixture is sticky and not watery. This will make it easier to roll the sushi. Place the nori on a sushi rolling mat, add the rice and layer on the mango pickle. Once rolled, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Tandoori Sushi Roll
What best describes this next recipe is its crispy texture, creamy flavor, and punchy taste wrapped in a smoky aftertaste. Not many people would think of adding tandoori flavors to the delicate flavors of sushi, and that’s where Ty Ali’s recipe comes in.
material: Seasoned sushi rice, toasted seaweed, Tandoori shrimp (can be substituted for chicken) — shrimp – 15, Tandoori masala – 1 tbsp, Lemon juice – 1 tsp, Oil – 1 tbsp. Cream cheese raita — Softened cream cheese – 50 grams, Mint leaves – 1 tsp, Jeera powder – a pinch, Coriander powder – a pinch, Garlic paste – 1/8 tsp, Salt to taste. Tamarind chutney — Tamarind paste – 1 tbsp, Water – 4 tbsp, Red chilli powder – a pinch, Jeera powder – a pinch, Coriander powder – a pinch, Ginger powder – a pinch, Sugar – 1/4 tsp. Fried onions. You will also need a sushi mat.
Method: Marinate the prawns before pan frying and keep aside. Mix the ingredients for the tamarind chutney and cream cheese raita separately and keep aside. First, place the nori on a rolling mat. Add the rice and all the ingredients. Roll it up tightly and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Spicy Indian sushi
This flavour concoction from the blog Mama’s Secret Recipe combines coconut, shrimp and a delicious chutney masala to create a revolutionary sushi flavour.
material: Boiled sushi rice – 2 cups, Seaweed – 1 pack, Tiger prawns – 20 tails, Kashmiri red chilli powder – 1 tsp, Haldi powder – 1/2 tsp, Ginger and garlic paste – 1 tsp, Shredded coconut – 1 cup, Cashew nuts – 1/2 cup, Chutney masala – 2 tsp, Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp, Salt – to taste.You will also need sushi rolls.
Method: Peel, wash and devein the shrimps, then toss them in red chili powder, haldi and ginger-garlic paste. Deep fry in vegetable oil and set aside. Coarsely grind the cashews and toast them with shredded coconut. Layer the seaweed and glutinous rice on a sushi mat and top with the shrimp and other condiments. Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with wasabi and soy sauce.
Wasabi imitation
With sushi being greedily reinterpreted all over the world, why leave out its classic accompaniment, wasabi? Chef Vivek Singh has a recipe that’s honestly so easy you’ll have to try it. The best thing about this kitchen experiment is that the amounts of ingredients depend entirely on your taste preferences.
In a blender, add the green peas, chopped chilli, peeled garlic, julienned ginger, half a teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt. Add a little mustard oil for flavour.
Paneer with Wasabi and Sesame
Still not a fan of sushi? Or are you nervous about trying something new? Don’t worry, sushi is notoriously hard to get used to, so if you’re not sure about jumping right in, try this recipe from Sanjeev Kapoor that features wasabi. It’s not sushi per se, but it will be your first step into the exquisite world of Japanese flavors.
material: Wasabi sauce – 2 tsp, Sesame seeds – 1/4 cup, Paneer – 200 gm, Maida – 2 tbsp, Pepper – 1/2 tsp, Ginger paste – 1 tsp, Lemon juice – 1 tbsp, Sugar – 1 tsp, Salt – to taste, Oil for frying
Method: Mix all the ingredients except sesame seeds, paneer and oil to make the marinade. Cut the paneer into bite-sized pieces and coat generously with the marinade. Spread sesame seeds on a plate and spread them over the paneer. Deep fry and serve hot.
Why not try out these recipes on International Sushi Day?
