Forbidden Rice

Saw a recipe on TikTok a few weeks ago for Spicy Salmon Rice Muffins, which appeared to be Sushi made in a muffin tin.

Worth a try, though I, as I'd not had sushi for a while and was craving it.

A few days later, I was watching Food Network’s The Kitchen where black rice was mentioned.

Never have I seen nor heard of black rice in my whole entire life.

Have you?

At any rate, I was sold on trying it when the chefs expounded its benefits — more fibers and nutrients than even brown rice, improves digestion and a good source of energy.

As for why it’s also known as Forbidden Rice is because it was once so valuable it was only served to royalty.

Times have changed. I got a 14.5-ounce container for $4.59.

Thinking black rice was probably better for me than sushi rice, I did some research and learned black rice could be turned into sushi rice simply by adding rice vinegar so, after this morning’s workout, I got started on Sushi in a Muffin Tin with black rice.

Due to my gut issues, I had to substitute olive oil for sesame, coconut aminos for soy, stevia for honey and spiced the marinade up with louisiana hot sauce instead of chili oil. Also, because my muffin tins are rather large, I cut about an inch off the corners for one big square, then filled with black rice and salmon.

The cut off ends of nori won’t go to waste. I’ll turn them into seaweed salad.

After 17 minutes in the oven, I added the avocado and a substitution for spicy mayo and had myself the most delicious lunch.

Felt a little difficult at first to handle, as the muffin kind of folds over like dolmas, but once I got the hang of it, they were so tasty that I pigged out.

What was meant to be lunch and dinner turned into lunch ........ period.

I can’t say if it was the black rice that made the dish so extra special delicious or the marinated salmon or a combination of the two, but I’ll get an idea of what flavor black rice added when I turn the leftover rice into breakfast fried rice tomorrow morning.

The wind began kicking up again late last night. At one point, I was in bed and saw a large white figure flying at my bedroom window.

Can’t say it didn’t give me little fright, as it looked like a ghost; but I quickly realized it was something the wind had kicked up.

It was rough going to this morning’s workout, with the wind trying to knock me down so, when I left the Pain Cave and was headed back, I was surprised to see Buttons out braving the wind.

There’s no stopping Buttons, who celebrated her 86th birthday this past Sunday. She said she was returning from Wii Bowling at the senior center. Tomorrow she’ll be back out and about attending a Writing Class.