Nori Wraps with Hummus, Cucumbers, Radishes, and Sprouts

Vegan lunches can -- and should -- be a lot more interesting than bare salads or carrot sticks and hummus. New Veganism columnist Gena Hamshaw will be sharing inspiration for midday meals that stave off both hunger and boredom.

Today: Nori isn't just for making sushi -- here's how to turn it into a lunchtime vegetable wrap.

In the summertime, wraps are one of my go-to lunches: They’re quick, easy to transport, and fun to eat. Vegetable fanatic that I am, I get a particular kick out of using vegetable-based alternatives to regular old tortillas. Collard green leaves make fabulous wraps, as do romaine leaves and even kale leaves (if you can find ones that are flat enough).

More: Need a better way to transport your lunch? Look no further.

Lately I've been using nori sheets, and loving them. They’re a little delicate, so you have to be careful with them, but they make wonderful wraps once they're rolled and sliced. They’re also super healthy (full of micronutrients and iodine), and it’s fun to use them outside of sushi-making. My current favorite nori wrap is a combination of homemade hummus, thinly sliced cucumber, thinly sliced radishes, and sprouts; it’s as beautiful as it is tasty. To make your own, simply layer your filling ingredients onto a sheet of nori, roll it up, and wait a few minutes before you slice it, to let the nori soften a bit.

Photos by Gena Hamshaw