Pretty in Pink Heart-Shaped Sushi

Are you ready for a ton of cute, Valentine inspired recipes this week? If not, that’s okay. I totally understand. However – you can most definitely make all of this weeks recipes for yourself, any time of year.

Wishing you all so much love, laughter and happiness. I hope you enjoy this holiday and take time for yourself. Even if you don’t believe in a day dedicated to love, practicing self love is a daily task and one that should be celebrated all year-round.

Pretty in Pink Heart-Shaped Sushi
(Yields 4 rolls)

Ingredients:
2 cups Sushi Rice, cooked
4 Nori sheets
Veggies, I used sweet potato, yellow bell peppers & purple carrots (thinly sliced)
2-4 tbsp Beet Juice, I used the juice from pickled beets
Sesame Seeds, to top

Directions:
Cook your rice as instructed by its directions.
Once cooked, transfer to a large bowl and add in 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp coconut sugar. I also like to add in a few pinches of red pepper flakes.
Start to slowly add in your beet juice and mix till everything is evenly combined and at the shade you desire.
Let your rice cool to room temperature, as well as any cooked vegetables.
Wrap your sushi rolling mat in plastic wrap or a gallon-sized bag.
Lay down a sheet of nori, shiny side down and start to add a thin layer of rice. Only fill about two thirds of your sheet.

Add your veggies and start to roll it tightly. I recommend watching a couple tutorials online, you’ll get the feel of it after a couple.
Once your roll is set, you’re going to wrap the mat around it and create a half heart shape by pressing your palm down and tucking your fingers around the top. It’s hard to explain, so here’s a side photo that explains it a little bit better. Feel free to took up tutorials online if you’re having trouble, this one is basically what I followed.

Using a very sharp knife, slightly cut off the ends if they’re messy. Cut your roll in half and from there create even eighths. You can make these as thin or thick as you would like, I typically cut 6-8 pieces per roll.
Match up two pieces and they’ll make a heart. Granted mine look more like a butt, that’s okay. If you’re not happy with that you can always make a flower like I did below.
Serve fresh with a side of spicy pink mayo sauce for dipping, topped with sesame seeds – enjoy!

Spicy Pink Mayo
(Yields 2 servings)

Ingredients:
4 tbsp Vegan Mayo, I used Vegenaise
1 tbsp Beet Juice, I used the juice from pickled beets
1/2 tbsp Sriracha, any hot sauce

Directions:
Measure and whisk together till evenly combined.
Serve chilled to dip sushi in!

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? I’ll probably have an evening in with my husband, cooking up cute food and watching movies <3