Ingredients:

For the Sushi Rice:

2 cups sushi rice

2 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

For the Sushi Rolls:

Nori (seaweed) sheets

Sushi rice

Smoked salmon slices (high-quality)

Ripe avocado, thinly sliced

Pickled ginger, for serving

Wasabi, for serving

Soy sauce, for serving

For Garnish (Optional):

Black sesame seeds

Chopped chives or scallions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sushi Rice:

Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Cook the rice with water in a rice cooker or on the stovetop according to package instructions.

In a small saucepan, combine rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat over low heat until the sugar and salt dissolve.

Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the vinegar mixture over the rice and gently fold it in. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.

2. Assemble Sushi Rolls:

Place a bamboo sushi rolling mat on a flat surface and put a sheet of plastic wrap on top.

Lay a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on the plastic wrap.

Wet your hands and spread a thin layer of sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.

Arrange slices of smoked salmon and avocado along the bottom edge of the rice.

3. Roll the Sushi:

Lift the edge of the bamboo mat closest to you with your thumbs and roll it over the filling, using the mat to shape the roll. Seal the edge with a bit of water.

4. Slice the Rolls:

Using a sharp, wet knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for clean edges.

5. Arrange and Garnish:

Arrange the sushi pieces on a serving platter.

Optionally, sprinkle black sesame seeds over the top for a decorative touch. Garnish with chopped chives or scallions.

6. Serve:

Serve the smoked salmon and avocado sushi with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce on the side.

Consider using a drizzle of soy sauce or a touch of wasabi as artistic accents on the plate.

This smoked salmon and avocado sushi recipe is a celebration of fresh and premium ingredients, beautifully presented for a