Deconstructing Sushi Rolls

We all have our favorite quick-fix dinner meals. Maybe it's a casserole that almost makes itself or a sandwich that always tastes the best, no matter the day. My favorite is a simple sushi roll in a bowl. Who has time to fuss with a sushi mat and the perfect rice when the weather's hot and life is busy? I grab the makings of a good California roll (plus a couple other items I just love) and toss them in a bowl:

Then, if I've got any energy left (and sometimes I don't), I toss some wasabi (could be just a few packets in the fridge leftover from our last sushi takeout) into some creamy mayonnaise and add a dollop of that bliss into my bowl and call it dinner. This is an especially welcome quick meal after mowing the lawn but before helping my daughter with her math homework. I like to call it Mommy's "me time" dinner. If I'm feeling downright sassy, I might even pour a glass of chilled white wine.

Now, as is the case with a great many of my recipe ideas, this is more of a suggestion and less of a dictate. Not a fan of crab? Try shrimp or sashimi-grade salmon. Or skip the seafood altogether and add more veggies. Have extra zucchini? It's great in a dish like this. Need something cooked added? Try tempura-style, well anything, in it! I like tossing the rice with a bit of rice vinegar and soy sauce to build in some seasoning, but you can omit it and have those items on the table for adding (or not) as you see fit. You get the idea. So take a few minutes and get yourself a dinner that doesn't have you turning on the stove. It's just what you needed for a hot day!