Spicy Tempeh Nori Rolls

For the sushi rice:
1 cup sushi rice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (do NOT use regular white vinegar)
1 teaspoon sugar

Spicy tempeh filling:
1/2 (4-ounce) package tempeh
2 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
1/2-1 teaspoon hot chile-sesame oil
4 nori sheets
1 scallion, white part discarded, slice lengthwise into narrow strips
1 ripe avocado, peeled, seeded, and sliced into 1/4 inch wide strips
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 5 inch long match sticks (optional)
1 tablespoon toasted or black sesame seeds if used inside the roll, or 1/4 cup if using as a coating for inside-out rolls

In a heavy-bottomed, 2-quart pot or saucepan with a cover, combine the rice plus 11/4 cups cold water. Turn the heat to high, bring the water to a boil, and stir the rice just ounce. Lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and steam the rice for 20 to 22 minutes, until it is tender and the excess liquid has been absorbed. Or, prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Cook until the rice is tender but slightly firm, and remove from the heat.

Empty the hot rice into a large glass or plastic bowl. Sprinkle with the rice vinegar and sugar, folding in the rice gently with a large spoon or rice paddle to mix thoroughly. The rice should be moist and have a very mild vinegar flavor. Cover with plastic wrap and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes. When the rice is slightly warmer than room temperature (but not completely cold) it's ready to work with.

While the rice is cooling, prepare the filling by steaming the tempeh. Allow the tempeh to cool for 10 minutes, chop into small cubes, and place in a medium-size bowl. Add the mayonnaise and chile-sesame oil and mash until chunky; taste and add more chile-sesame oil if desired.
To assemble:

Fill a shallow cup with about 1/3 cup water and a tablespoon of rice vinegar, and keep near your sushi workstation. Follow these steps to the perfect nori roll:

1. Place the nori sheet on the bamboo mat. With wet hands, take a snowball-shaped handful of rice, about a cups worth. Gently pat onto the bottom two-thirds or so of your nori sheet. The layer of rice should be less than 1/3 inch thick.

2. Place a small amount of the fillings across the center of your rice. Lay or spread them horizontally to each side of the nori to create a straight line of filling--the less filling, the easier the sushi will be to roll. Aim for about 11/2 tablespoons of spicy tempeh, three strips of avocado, two or more carrot match sticks and some scallion strips. You'll figure it out.

3.Using the mat, gently roll up that sushi starting from the rice-topped end; try to keep your grip relatively tight, for a firm roll. When you've reached the seaweed only end, pat gently with a bit of vinegar water to seal the roll.

4. Slice your roll into 1-inch pieces with a sharp, serrated knife. That's it! Make a hundred of 'em.

Variations:

Elephant Rolls: Stuff the sushi rolls with 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts and a few slices of ripe avocado per roll.

"Yamroom" Roll: For each roll, fill with 2 tablespoons of mashed sweet potato, 1 or 2 dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms simmered in 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and a dash of mirin. Sprinkle the filling with sesame seeds before rolling.

Spinach Sesame: Lightly steam 1/2 pound of well-washed, fresh spinach, squeeze to remove any excess water, and chop finely. Toss with 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, and a dash of rice vinegar. Fill and roll as directed for the Spicy Tempeh Nori Rolls.

How to make Inside Out Rolls:

Maybe you've been rolling your own for a while, or you just need to look like a master sushi chef right now! Then inside-out rolled nori rolls will get you the attention you so deserve, and with way less stress than you might expect.

Simply prepare your nori roll as directed, spreading the seasoned rice onto about two-thirds of the toasted nori sheet. Place a sheet of plastic wrap on top, gently slide your hands underneath the bamboo mat and rest your other hand on top of the plastic wrap. Then in one quick motion... flip everything upside down. Remove the bamboo mat from the top and place on your countertop. Place the nori and rice--plastic wrap side down-- on the mat. Place fillings as usual on the edge without the rice underneath it. Then, carefully roll everything up, using the bamboo mat to firmly push everything together and being careful to peel away the plastic wrap as you go.

For best results, roll your spiffy inside-our rolls in fun things like toasted sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, toasted nori flakes or Japanese ground up red pepper.

Makes 4 rolls

Enjoy!