Great for Any Occasion Rice Balls (Onigiri)

This traditional Japanese lunch makes perfect after school snacks as well as cute appetizers.

Video on how to make these rice balls.

Ingredients : Makes 4-8 rice balls

Short-grain rice 2 cups

Kosher salt a pinch

Japanese nori* approximately 2 x 6 inches (5x15cm)

Fillings (see below for some suggestions) 1/2 tablespoon

1. Lay a piece of plastic wrap in your hand. Sprinkle salt on the plastic wrap and place a handful (1/2 to 3/4 cup) of cooked rice.

2. Make a small crater in the center of the rice and place your fillings (salmon, plum, etc). Bring the four corners of the plastic wrap into the center to make a ball.

3. Using one hand as a bottom of the triangle shape and another as a peak, make a triangle shape by rotating the rice. Repeat this process a couple of times to make a firm triangle shape.

4. Take the plastic wrap off and wrap your rice ball with seaweed.

* You may also use Korean laver, which is flavored with sesame oil and salt

Recommended fillings:

• Grilled salmon or salmon flakes (Sha-ke/しゃけ)

• Pickled plum (Ume/梅干/うめぼし)

• Cooked meat such as pork, beef or chicken

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