Hamaguri Nigiri Sushi

Ingredients

• 12 fresh clams 12 fresh clams
• 2 cups (470ml) sushi rice 2 cups (470ml) sushi rice
• 4 tablespoons rice vinegar 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Wasabi, for garnish Wasabi, for garnish
• Soy sauce, for dipping Soy sauce, for dipping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the clams thoroughly under cold water to remove any sand or grit. Place them in a pot with enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes or until the clams open. Discard any clams that do not open.
2. 2.
   Remove the clams from their shells and set aside.
3. 3.
   Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.
5. 5.
   Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over it. Gently fold the rice with a wooden spatula to evenly distribute the vinegar mixture. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.
6. 6.
   Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take a small handful of sushi rice and shape it into an oval-shaped mound.
7. 7.
   Place a clam on top of each rice mound, pressing it gently to adhere.
8. 8.
   Serve the Hamaguri Nigiri Sushi with a small dollop of wasabi and a side of soy sauce for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Clams — Ensure that the clams are fresh and discard any that do not open during cooking.
• Sushi rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking for the best texture.
• Wasabi — Use wasabi sparingly as it can be quite spicy. Adjust the amount according to your preference.

Tips & Tricks

• Use the freshest clams available to enhance the flavor of the sushi.
• Wetting your hands with water before shaping the rice will prevent it from sticking to your hands.
• Adjust the amount of wasabi and soy sauce according to your taste preferences.
• Serve the sushi immediately after preparation for the best taste and texture.
• Experiment with different types of clams to discover unique flavor profiles.

Serving advice

Serve the Hamaguri Nigiri Sushi as an appetizer or as part of a sushi platter. Arrange the sushi neatly on a plate and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for an added touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Hamaguri Nigiri Sushi in a visually appealing pattern on a sushi platter. Consider using a combination of light and dark-colored clams for contrast. Garnish with a small mound of freshly grated wasabi for an attractive presentation.