Sushi with Butternut Squash, Basil & Cream Cheese

Butternut, Basil, Cream Cheese & Cashew Sushi

I LOVE SUSHI!!!  There are so many combos and this one can easily set off a brainstorm of ideas. My thoughts for basic good sushi combos are:

1. Something crunchy.
2. Something soft.
3. Something BOLD flavored. (but only use a tiny bit)
4. Something subtle flavored. (you can use more)
5. Something colorful.

From there you can add:

Something salty.

Something sour.

Something sweet.

Something bitter.

Always try to
strike a balance with the opposites so they complement, not compete.

On this recipe I used:

Miso 1 Tbs.

Braggs Aminos 1 tsp.

Maple Syrup 1 tsp. (sub honey, agave or other)

Brown Rice 4 cups (cooked)

Rice Wine Vinegar 1-2 Tbs.

Nori Sheets. (a.k.a sushi roll sheets)

Water 2 cups in a small bowl

Butternut Squash 1-2 slices (peeled, sliced 1/2' thick, bake at 350 just until almost tender)

Orange 1-2 wedges

Cream Cheese 1//4 cup (vegan or milk based)

Cashews 1/4 cup (chopped. raw or roasted)

Basil 6-8 leaves (thinly chopped, chiffonade)

Toasted Sesame Oil 1 tsp (optional) 

1. Mix the first 3 ingredients in a small bowl. This will be your sauce.
2. In a medium bowl mix the cooked rice and vinegar.
3. Lay one sheet on a cutting board. Moisten with water. Then press one small handful off rice on to the bottom half of the sheet.
4. Cut your butternut into thin long strips and squeeze a little orange juice on them. Lay down one strip along the bottom of your rice. Use your knife to make lay a thin line of cream cheese down on top of the butternut. Then sprinkle a little bit of the next 3 ingredients.
5. Roll it up then slice it*. Place on a plate and drizzle with your Miso sauce.

*TIP: When slicing your sushi start from the middle, then cut those 2 pieces in half, then cut each of those in half, you will end up with 8 even pieces. Also wipe your SHARP knife off often to keep your sushi clean looking.