Rice Balls with Umeboshi

Rice Balls with Umeboshi are a delightful gluten-free Japanese breakfast dish that combines savory and tart flavors. These easy-to-make rice balls are perfect for a nutritious start to your day, offering a unique taste of Japanese cuisine.

Ingredients

• Japanese short-grain rice - 1 cup (200g)
• Water - 1 1/4 cups (300ml)
• Umeboshi (pickled plum) - 2 pieces
• Nori seaweed sheets - 1 sheet, cut into strips
• Sesame seeds (white or black) - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Green onions - 1 tablespoon, finely chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
2. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Let it soak for 30 minutes before cooking.
3. Bring the rice and water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes to steam.
5. While the rice is cooling, prepare the umeboshi by removing the pit and mashing the flesh with a fork.
6. Once the rice is slightly cooled but still warm, place it in a bowl and mix in the salt and chopped green onions.
7. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, and take a handful of rice (about 1/4 cup). Flatten it slightly in your palm, then place a small amount of the umeboshi in the center.
8. Carefully mold the rice around the umeboshi to form a ball shape. Repeat for the remaining rice and umeboshi.
9. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the rice balls and wrap with strips of nori if desired.
10. Serve immediately, or keep wrapped in plastic wrap for later.

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Umeboshi are rich in antioxidants and can aid digestion.
• The combination of rice and umeboshi provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.

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