A Lunchbox Filler.
Do your kids like sushi? Unfortunately my kids don’t and they’ve picked up my dislike for it. I’m saddened by this as sushi is really healthy, filling and nutritious. Perfect for growing little bodies. That’s why I’m really happy to have discovered cucumber sushi. It takes on the concept and uses flavours I know the kids (and I) love.
Let me tell you why I don’t like sushi. I’m not a fan of the nori, or seaweed, but I also dislike eating raw fish. Growing up in New Zealand, we had a 28ft launch. I can’t even count the number of times we went out for long weekends (if not longer) and slept onboard. It wasn’t a pleasurecraft in the sense of relaxing with wine, a book and sunbathing. You see, it was dad’s fishing boat first and foremost. Fish bait baking in the hot sun is the most disgusting and pungent of smells. It made my stomach heave. It’s just unfortunate that nori and raw fish brings all those senses to the surface for me. It’s quite amazing how strong your memory and senses influence your enjoyment of food.
Why Make Cucumber Sushi
Enough about why I don’t eat sushi. Let me now tell you why you should make cucumber sushi.
- Firstly, it’s with ingredients you more than likely have in your fridge now.
- Secondly, you don’t need a sushi mat or nori to make these. You just need an apple corer.
- And lastly, they make a wonderful substitute to sandwiches in kids school lunches so that kids have a variety in what they eat. After all, eating sandwiches all the time can be boring.
These get slipped into a little container for something a little different so they don’t get bored with what they’re eating. I’ve also made these for a healthy afternoon tea during the weekend and added some fruit too.
My kids love these and hopefully yours will too!
Want another delicious recipe?
If you like this recipe, you’ll also love others available here. From pastas to risottos, cookies to desserts, and bliss balls to gluten-free options with everything in between. There is truly something here for everyone. I have developed this website to provide family-friendly recipes where I maximise both fresh produce while minimising cost.
Cucumber Sushi
Ingredients
- 2-3 slices ham
- 2-3 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 lebanese cucumber
- 1 small carrot, cut into matchsticks
Instructions
- Taking the cucumber, cut off each end and hollow out the centre with an apple corer.
- Stuff the cucumber hollow with small rolls of ham, thinly sliced cheese and carrots until the centre is tightly filled.
- Carefully cut the cucumber into 1 inch thick rounds. Press down on the cucumber (without breaking it) while holding it to steady the filling.
- Serve cold. If packing for school lunches, add the pieces into a small container to prevent the pieces from bouncing around.
Notes
- You can also add thinly sliced capsicum.
- If you prefer chicken, you can substitute the sliced ham for deli chicken slices.
- Get a little fancy and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of each sushi roll.