raw pasta
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One of my favorite simple raw vegan dinner recipes is raw pasta! This pasta is even fruitarian approved since all fruit bears seeds. Zucchini’s, cucumbers, squashes and tomatoes all have seeds so they are technically a fruit, not a vegetable. Raw pasta can be a delicious snack or light dinner that is easily digestible and full of flavor.
ingredients
2 large zucchinis (you can also use cucumbers or butternut squash)
1 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes or 1 extra large heirloom tomato
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1-2 dates
Handful of fresh basil, oregano and/or thyme (a couple of drops of oregano oil can add both an Italian flavor and an immune boost as well)
Optional: 1-2 cloves of garlic, a handful of chopped onion and/or a sprinkle of Himalayan sea salt. I also like to use oil of oregano for additional flavor and health benefits. You can use a base of romaine or mixed greens as well.
Be sure to use the freshest ingredients possible. I love heirloom tomatoes from my local farmers market. Tomatoes are considered a fruit so you want to buy them organic (and better yet, local) since the outside peel is consumed. Be sure to keep your tomatoes out of the refrigerator. They ripen best out on your counter top.
When looking for sun dried tomatoes, turn the package around and check the ingredients to see if they have been sulfured. Sulfur dioxide is a preservative that can cause negative health effects such as stomach pains, skin rashes, and even asthma attacks. Avoid this at all costs. The best alternative to sulfured sun dried tomatoes is to make your own with a dehydrator, to purchase sun dried tomatoes like the two brands above, or to purchase sun dried tomatoes that are soaked in oil or spices. I have used sun dried tomatoes soaked in oil and rinsed and soaked them in water to remove as much oil as I could.
tools
You can use 1 of 3 tools. The julienne peeler is the smallest tool but sometimes you run the risk of cutting your finger if you are not careful. The next best option would be the Veggetti which you can twist to create noodles. The third and best option in my opinion would be a spiralizer. It may take up more space in your kitchen, but I feel does the job both quickly and right without the risk of cutting yourself (like I have done so many times).
DIRECTIONS
Soak the sun dried tomatoes and dates in warm water for 15-20 minutes.
Peel the zucchini, cucumber or squash with a peeler and spiralize with either a julienne peeler, a spiralizer or a handheld Veggetti and place into a bowl.
Combine the cherry tomatoes, soaked tomatoes, dates and fresh herbs into a high speed blender and blend on high for 30 seconds (longer if you prefer your sauce warm).
Pour the sauce on to your spiralized zucchini and garnish with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Mix the sauce with your noodles and enjoy your healthy meal or snack!
I find that raw squashes and tomatoes give me the salty and savory taste I need so I never feel the need to add salt but if you prefer to add in salt, add some pink himalayan or celtic sea salt.
Serve the raw pasta with chopped up heirloom tomatoes or crispy romaine lettuce!
