Circassian-style Hamachi Nigiri Sushi

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the traditional Japanese Hamachi Nigiri Sushi with the flavors of Circassian cuisine. The original sushi is transformed by incorporating Circassian sauce, a creamy and nutty sauce made from ground walnuts, garlic, and spices. This addition brings a unique and aromatic twist to the dish, creating a delightful fusion of flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Hamachi nigiri sushi, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) fresh Hamachi (yellowtail) fillet 200g (7 oz) fresh Hamachi (yellowtail) fillet
• 1 cup (200g) sushi rice 1 cup (200g) sushi rice
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Circassian Sauce: Circassian Sauce:
• 1 cup (120g) walnuts, toasted and ground 1 cup (120g) walnuts, toasted and ground
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable broth 1/4 cup (60ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley) for garnish Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley) for garnish
• Pickled vegetables (such as cucumber or radish) for serving Pickled vegetables (such as cucumber or radish) for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground walnuts, minced garlic, ground coriander, ground cumin, red pepper flakes, vegetable oil, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
3. 3.
   Slice the Hamachi fillet into thin, bite-sized pieces.
4. 4.
   Take a small amount of sushi rice and shape it into a rectangular mound using wet hands. Place a slice of Hamachi on top of the rice.
5. 5.
   Drizzle a spoonful of Circassian sauce over each piece of Hamachi Nigiri Sushi.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with pickled vegetables on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Hamachi — Ensure the Hamachi fillet is fresh and of high quality. If unavailable, you can substitute it with other fresh, sashimi-grade fish such as tuna or salmon.
• Walnuts — Toast the walnuts before grinding them to enhance their flavor. Be cautious not to over-toast them, as they can become bitter.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, lightly sear the Hamachi slices with a blowtorch before placing them on the sushi rice.
• Experiment with different herbs for garnish, such as mint or dill, to add a refreshing twist to the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
• Serve the sushi with soy sauce and wasabi on the side for dipping.
• To save time, you can prepare the Circassian sauce in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Serving advice

Arrange the Circassian-style Hamachi Nigiri Sushi on a beautiful platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the fish and garnish to shine. Serve it as an appetizer or as part of a sushi platter for a stunning presentation.

Presentation advice

To create an elegant presentation, place the Hamachi Nigiri Sushi on a bed of banana leaves or sushi grass. Garnish the platter with edible flowers or microgreens to add a touch of sophistication.