Ingredients
2 cups sushi rice, rinsed and drained2 cups water1/4 cup rice vinegar2 tablespoons sugar1/2 teaspoon salt7 fresh asparagus spears, trimmedBamboo sushi mat7 nori sheets1 small cucumber, julienned1 small carrot, julienned2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and julienned1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and thinly sliced1/4 cup julienned daikon radishReduced-sodium soy sauce and prepared wasabi
Preparation
In a large saucepan, combine rice and water; let stand for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar and salt, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
Transfer rice to a large shallow bowl; drizzle with vinegar mixture. With a wooden paddle or spoon, stir rice with a slicing motion to cool slightly. Cover with a damp cloth to keep moist. (Rice mixture may be made up to 6 hours ahead and stored at room temperature, covered with a damp towel. Do not refrigerate.)
Place asparagus in a steamer basket; place in a large saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
Place sushi mat on a work surface so mat rolls away from you; line with plastic wrap. Place 2/3 cup rice on plastic; with moistened fingers, press rice into an 8-in. square. Top with one nori sheet.
Arrange a small amount of vegetables and avocado about 1-1/2 in. from bottom edge of nori sheet. Lifting bottom edge of the bamboo mat, roll up the rice mixture jelly-roll style, being sure to lift plastic from rice. Roll bamboo mat over sushi roll, pressing firmly, to make a more compact roll. When the roll is complete, tighten the roll to make more compact. Remove mat; cover roll and set aside. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make seven rolls.
Cut each into six pieces. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.
