2 Delicious Raw Recipes

I went raw years ago, and I did it with a great deal of enthusiasm and optimism. How hard could it be, eating food without cooking it? It seemed easy: make a bunch of salads, eat lots of apples and oranges, sprout a few nuts and beans. I thought it would be a piece of cake. But after three weeks, all I wanted was a piece of cake. And bread, and hot, hot soups. Slowly but surely, I returned to my old ways, and to my beloved stove.

I didn’t know then what I know now: that there are simple ways to get around food cravings and other common obstacles to the raw-foods diet. Most people can safely — and happily — increase their consumption of raw foods. The problem is getting past some tricky food obstacles, like the salad rut (really, there’s only so much you can do with a bowl of raw greens). The solution: get creative. Arm yourself with some good raw-foods cookbooks (I like Brigitte Mars’ “Rawsome!”). Then seek out workshops and raw foods classes, and learn to replicate your favorite meals. Start with these:

Raw Hummus with Basil and Black Olives
(Serves 2 to 4)

1 cup soaked and sprouted garbanzo beans *
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/4 cup raw tahini
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Juice from 1/2 small lemon
1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1. Combine beans, garlic, tahini, olive oil and lemon juice in a food processor. Process for 1 to 2 minutes, or until smooth. Add olives and basil, and pulse to mix well.

2. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if desired. Serve with carrot and jicama sticks, strips of red bell pepper, and raw flax crackers for dipping.

*To sprout garbanzo beans, place in a large glass jar, cover with filtered water, and soak for 24 hours. Drain, rinse and return to jar. Place the jar on its side and let stand overnight. Rinse beans once more and refrigerate.

* * * * *

Next: Raw Blueberries-and-Cream Pie

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Anne G.

11:29AM PST on Jan 31, 2012

Whenever I hear talk about "eating raw" I always think, why? What is the point? I eat, like most people, a combination and think it's actually healthier to eat warm foods, better for the digestion.

send a green star

Jessica J.

11:21AM PST on Jan 31, 2012

is going raw without tea also? probably..... brrrrrr. sorry!

Jillian B.

11:22AM PDT on Oct 29, 2011

I really don't know much about going raw. I can't even imagine it for a full day, guess I should look into it more and see if it's something I can strive for at least one day a week......

Sarah M.

5:17PM PDT on Oct 27, 2011

thanks

Giovanna M.

4:03PM PDT on Oct 24, 2011

tks

Melinda offline K.

2:21AM PDT on Sep 3, 2011

the sprouted chick peas is interesting and another creative idea from the raw foodies ~ great stuff!

Diane S.

5:30AM PDT on Sep 2, 2011

Healthy and yummy ! Thank you for sharing the recipes !