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Raw Vegan Avocado BLT Wraps are over the top YUM!  Shown here using a Collard Wrap.

Avocado BLT Wraps are so over the top delish it’s insane!  We’re talking when I served them to my friend she couldn’t believe it wasn’t actual, real bacon inside!  Loaded with strips of meaty, thick-cut ‘bacon’ brimming with smoky-sweet-salty deliciousness tucked alongside fresh, juicy heirloom tomato, buttery avocado, crisp green lettuce and a thick creamy hemp mayo –  these Avocado BLT’s are built to please!

Avocado BLT Wrap shown here wrapped in Raw Nori Wrap – Jim’s fav! 

While the best part about these dreamy Avocado BLT wraps is definitely their amazing flavor, these high-vibe living food wraps also deliver potent immune-boosting, beauty enhancing power to make our cells sing and our energy soar!  Here are just a few of the fabulous gifts your body, mind and spirit will be receiving from this decadent Raw Vegan BLT Wrap…

Shiitakes: Widely referred to as “medicinal mushrooms”, shiitake mushrooms are able to enhance immune function bi-directionally, giving it a boost when needed, and cutting back on its activity when needed. Shiitake mushrooms provide what researchers refer to as “anti-cancer immunity” and are able to help macrophage cells achieve an activated profile so they can do a better job clearing potentially cancerous cells by suppressing their production and multiplication due to a compound in Shitake called lentinan. They’re rich in B vitamins—an excellent of pantothenic acid, a very good source of vitamin B2, and a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, choline, and folate. Shiitake are high in concentrated minerals, an excellent source of selenium and copper and a very good source of zinc.  Shiitake mushrooms are also rich in highly absorbable iron which is useful in the body for improving oxygen circulation, production of blood in the bone marrow as well as healthy bones and gums.

Avocado: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats. Provides close to 20 essential nutrients such as potassium (1 avocado has twice the potassium of a banana) which helps balance your vitally important potassium/sodium ratio. 

Tomato: Excellent source of antioxidants such as lycopene, a carotenoid pigment which has recently been found to have an important connection to bone health.  Tomato extracts have been shown to help prevent unwanted clumping together of platelet cells in the blood, a factor especially important in lowering risk of heart disease like atherosclerosis. High in Vitamin C (33% RDA per serving) & Biotin (24% per serving). 

Nori: The seaweed that wraps sushi and our BLT Wraps! Nori is very rich in protein containing between 1-2 grams of protein per 2 gram serving making it the world’s richest source comparable in density to spirulina, chlorella and soybeans. Nori is high in fiber, comprised of approximately 33% fiber.  It’s also high in iron, with 100 grams containing 88% of our daily value. Nori improves bone health as 100 grams of nori contains 28% of our RDI of calcium and 85% of our RDI of magnesium. Sea vegetables such as Nori are the plant world’s premier source of iodine which is crucial to thyroid health and a multitude of bodily functions. 100 grams of nori contains approximately 6 mg of iodine or, otherwise stated, one sushi roll wrapped in nori contains 92 mcg of iodine which is almost the full RDI. Nori also contains 288% of our vitamin A, 60% RDI of thiamine, 194% of riboflavin, 78% RDI of niacin and 475% RDI of folate.

And that’s just the tip of the ice-berg baby! There will be multitudes more AMAZING miracles happening to your beautiful self as you devour these divine Avocado BLT wraps!

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I love using either Nori or subbing Collard Greens for an equally delicious wrap.  Collards are remarkably mild in flavor, perfectly sturdy and when all slathered up in to LIVE for thick, creamy hemp-cashew mayo and stuffed with Avocado BLT fixings… mmm mmm it’s a party for our tastebuds!

 

Recipe for Raw Vegan Avocado BLT Wraps

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

Raw Vegan Bacon 

  • 3 cups sliced shitake mushrooms, stems removed (or sub 2 large portobello mushrooms, sliced)
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp raw coconut aminos 
  • 1 Tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 3/4 tsp smoked paprika (technically not raw so if you’re a purist skip)
  • 3 drops liquid stevia, a touch of maple syrup, or your fav sweetener to taste

Hemp Mayo 

  • 1C hemp seed
  • 3 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar (or sub fresh lemon juice)
  • 10 cashews
  • 2 Tbsp EVOO
  • 1/2 cup filtered water (more or less depending on how thick you like it)
  • 3/4 tsp onion powder or more to taste
  • sea salt to taste

Raw Vegan BLT Wraps

  • 8 Raw Nori Wraps (or 4 Large Collard Leaves)
  • 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced into long strips (not too thin not too thick we just want it to be easy to roll up)
  • 2 avocados, sliced into long strips, or mashed w tines of a fork
  • green leaf lettuce
  • vegan bacon 
  • hemp mayo 

Method

Raw Vegan Bacon

  1. Whisk together coconut aminos, sesame oil, sea salt, smoked paprika, and stevia. Taste to adjust seasonings.
  2. Dump all your sliced shitakes or portobellos into a large ziplock along with the marinade. Massage carefully so as not to break the mushrooms. Marinade for 20 minutes flipping once.
  3. Place mushrooms on a teflex sheet in your dehydrator on 145F for 1 hour, turning down to 115F for 2 more hours or longer til reach desired texture – the portobellos will take longer as they’re thicker. I personally like the ‘bacon’ a little meatier and moister as it has that thick center cut texture that way.

Hemp Mayo

  1. Place all the ingredients in the Vitamix and blend til thick and creamy. If you want more of a cream cheese texture, which will be less drippy in the wraps, start with less water. Conversely, use more water for a mayo texture. As always taste to adjust seasonings to your preference. 

BLT Wraps

  1. Slather rough side of each Nori sheet with a Tbsp of Hemp Mayo. If using mashed avocado rather than strips, spread the avo on first, then top with the mayo. (Alternatively use 4 collard leaves de-stemmed and halved for rolling OR for burrito fashion: remove only thickest bottom part of stem, leaving collard leaf whole to be wrapped burrito style & cut diagonally into halves after stuffing/rolling.)
  2. Place one green leaf lettuce leaf on each wrap.
  3. Arrange a few tomato strips, avocado strips (unless using mashed avo) & shiitake (or portobello) bacon on each wrap.
  4. Roll up tightly into a cone shape (Temaki-style), securing with a bit of water along one edge of nori. Or, role evenly into a cylinder and feel free to slice into sushi-sized bites. (If using halved collard leaves, roll & secure with a pretty party toothpick. If using whole collard leaves, roll like a burrito, folding top and bottom edges in first then rolling up left to right and cutting in half on a diagonal which will keep everything secured- use party pics if necessary.)  
  5. Serve any remaining Hemp Mayo on the side for dipping.

Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite “traditional” recipe you’d like upgraded into a beautiful Raw Vegan version?  Share below for a chance to have me recreate it for you!

 

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Much Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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Raw Vegan Chipotle Onion Rings with Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce

 

Who doesn't love the delicious crunch of crispy, battered onion rings?!  Get ready for guilt free indulgence with these rings of fire made mega-delish with spicy smoked chipotle paired with THE most amazing Creamy Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce you've ever had!  Seriously, Jim and I can't get enough.  They've become a weekly staple – actually I made two batches this week they're that incredible and easy too!

 

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You'd never guess these Raw Vegan Onion Rings are chock full of superfood power!

 

Fiery Onion Rings with Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce win hands down for flavor, texture and satisfaction… plus they leave us feeling & looking our best too!  I purposely created a nut-free (gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free) batter as even a Living Foods Raw Vegan diet is not healthy if it relies too heavily upon a high calorie, fat-laden, nut based approach.  When it comes to fats, too much can be too much no matter the type – a pitfall new Raw Foodists often stumble into.  Heavy, nut-centric meals can be very difficult for the digestive system and make it challenging to achieve ideal weight/fitness goals.  We all want to look and feel our best while eating delicious, nutritious food, therefore, I aim to develop balanced recipes that deliver absolutely amazing flavor while simultaneously ensuring we don't have to worry about counting calories or offsetting meals with excessive exercise in order to enjoy them.

 

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This Raw Vegan enzyme and nutrient rich recipe is full of incredibly powerful health & beauty enhancing plant-based superfoods.  Check out some of the amazing ingredient fun facts & benefits you'll receive while enjoying this delicious combo…

  • OnionsMajor cancer fighting power. major collagen/hair/nails building power.
  • Buckwheat Groats(I sprouted mine however I include options for skipping sprouting below) – Not actually a grain at all, but a fruit seed.  High in protein, flavanoids, magnesium, insoluble fiber, powerful phytonutrients proven to be more powerful than that found in fruits & vegetables, heart protecting lignans and more.
  • Chickpeas(I sprouted mine however I include options for not sprouting below) – Excellent for supporting the digestive tract, contain uniquely powerful antioxidants, decrease risk of cardiovascular disease, regulate blood sugar, improve feelings of satiety, excellent molybdenum &, manganese, very good source of folate & copper, good source of fiber & protein.
  • Kale – More iron than beef, high in Vitamin K crucial for bone health, blood clotting and prevention of Alzheimer's, powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol levels, high in Vitamins A & C and Calcium, a great detox food filled with fiber & sulfur to keep the liver healthy.
  • Carrots – Excellent source of Beta-Carotene for beautiful skin & healthy vision. Carrots also contain falcarinol, a natural toxin that protects carrots against fungal disease and is found in scientific studies to stimulate cancer-fighting mechanisms in the body. Carrot extract has been found useful in combating cognitive dysfunctions and may offer memory improvement as well as cholesterol-lowering benefit.
  • Capsaicin in Chipotle (Chili) Peppers– Powerful anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol & triglyceride levels and increases body's blood clotting ability. Cultures who use hot pepper liberally have a much lower rate of heart attack, stroke & pulmonary embolism. Protects fats in blood from damage by free radicals, the first step in the development of atherosclerosis. Clears congestion from sinuses and congested lungs. Boosts immunity due to it's high content of beta-carotene and C. Kills the bacteria contributing to stomach ulcers while stimulating the cells lining the stomach to secrete protective juices.
  • Hemp Seed– A Super Food. A complete protein with a concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins & enzymes with a virtual absence of sugar, starch & saturated fat. Increases and sustains energy, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces inflammation. Improves circulation, immune system and blood sugar control. More easily digested protein than meat, eggs, cheese or other high protein food. High in perfectly balanced essential fats: omega 3, 6 & Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). High in antioxidants, amino acids, fiber, iron, zinc, carotene, B vitamins, Vitamin E. Can be eaten by those unable to tolerate nuts, gluten, lactose or sugar as there are no known allergies to hemp foods.

 

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Mmm mmm divine!  We just had these Fiery Onion Rings w Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce on the side of a super delish Raw Vegan Soft-serve Chocolate Shake for a to-live-for lunch!

 

And, people, let me just talk about the Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce for a sec.  Yes, these onion rings are unbelievably fabulous enough to stand on their own, however, this Creamy Garlic Aioli is phenom!  You'll be wanting to dip everything in it – or thinning it out to use it as salad dressing – or slathering it all over your veggie wraps.

To. Live. For!!! 

So, a final brief comment before I get to the recipe… I made my onion rings using the absolute highest raw vegan method possible (and it was still super easy) meaning I soaked my chickpeas and buckwheat then sprouted them before turning them into the batter.  However, I've included an Express Option for anyone that feels like skipping that step.  But, let's be honest about soaking and sprouting – it's literally dumping something into a big bowl of water, letting it sit, draining, rinsing, and letting it sit in a colander and rinsing again.  Easy.  However, options are good.  And, either way you make it, they'll still be brimming with amazing flavor and stunning health and vitality power!

 

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Recipe for Raw Vegan Onion Rings & Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

Raw Vegan Fiery Onion Ring Batter

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked & sprouted* (for Express Method sub 1 cup chickpea flour)
  • 3/4 buckwheat groats soaked & sprouted* (for Express Method sub 3/4 cup buckwheat flour)
  • 6 kale stems (left over from salads/smoothies or just use 3 whole leaves stem & all. For Express Method sub 1 1/2  Tbsp of your fav Greens Powder)
  • 2 medium carrots (for Express Method, sub 2 Tbsp Carrot Powder)
  • 1 1/2 inch piece of dried chipotle pepper (or equivalent in powder, starting with 1/2 tsp & taste testing from there )
  • 1 teeny tiny (they're like 1/2 inch long) dried habanero chili pepper (or chili powder to taste starting with 1/2 tsp & taste testing batter from there)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for Express Method omit or substitute 5 nuts like cashews/brazil nuts/macadamia – don't worry 5 nuts spread across the entire recipe is not a big deal)
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 Tbsp raw coconut sugar (or use raw maple syrup crystals, stevia, raw coconut sugar or your fav sweetener to taste adjusting to account for differences in the strengths)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (reserved for garnishing)

*Soaking & Sprouting Instructions: Place Buckwheat and Chickpeas into two separate bowls, top with filtered water to 3 inches above. Let soak 8-12 hours or overnight.  Rinse thoroughly. To Sprout: place Buckwheat and Chickpeas into two separate colanders inside 2 pots, add a 1/2 inch of water to each pot, cover with lids.  Let sit for 2 to 3 days rinsing once in the am and pm until sprouts grow to about 1/4". Rinse again thoroughly and they're ready!

Onion Ring Soak

  • 1 extra large sweet onion
  • 1 1/2 cups filtered water
  • 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar (or sub fresh squeezed lemon juice)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp coconut nectar
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Creamy Raw Vegan Garlic Aioli

  • 1/2 cup hemp seed
  • 1/4 + cup filtered water
  • 2 cloves garlic (3 if you like it strong)
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or sub fresh squeezed lemon juice)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 raw cashews
  • a touch of raw coconut sugar, stevia or your fav sweetener (start with 1/2 tsp & adjust to taste)

Method 

Fiery Raw Vegan Onion Rings

Note: It's best to do steps 1-3 the day before. Then dehydrate your onion rings the day you'll be serving or even a day ahead if you choose as they "reheat" really nicely in 45 minutes in the dehydrator.

  1. Place all the Onion Ring Batter ingredients into your food processor and pulse until everything is uniformly broken down and well combined, scraping down the sides of your bowl several times.  You should have a nice dough when the proccess is complete. You don't want huge chunks of anything. (For Express Method process ingredients into a flour and skip steps 2 and 3)
  2. Spread the mixture onto a teflex sheet of your dehydrator (I like the Excalibur) and dehydrate at 115 F for 4 hours or until dry, checking periodically as climate/time of year/altitude etc. can vastly affect drying time.  Feel free to make the Garlic Aioli at this point.  
  3. Once dry, break the dough into chunks and place into your food processor or Vitamix to process into a fine flour.  Divide the flour between two medium bowls and set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl whisk together the Onion Ring Soak ingredients.
  5. Separate your extra large onion into rings.
  6. Dip each onion ring first into the Soaking Liquid, then into the Batter Flour shaking to remove excess, back into the soaking liquid and again into the Batter Flour shaking to remove excess once more. Place each battered ring on a Teflex Sheet Lined dehydrator tray.
  7. Once all onions are battered, dehydrate on 135 F for 1st hour (Don't worry they'll still be raw as at this point they're throwing off water and the internal temp remains below 115) then turn down to 115F for 2 to 4 hours more, checking on them periodically, until reach desired crispness.* 
  8. Dust onion rings with smoked paprika to garnish. 

*There is leeway as to how long you choose to dehydrate the onion rings.  They're really delicious both a little moist and quite crunchy & everything in between.  I like to remove them when the interior is still a bit moist resembling deep-fried consisency as we put the leftovers in the fridge and "reheat" them in the dehydrator the next day on 135F for 45 minutes which makes them warm and crispier allowing us to enjoy them both ways.

Creamy Garlic Aioli

  1. Place all the aioli ingredients into your Vitamix and process until smooth and creamy.  
  2. Taste to adjust for seasonings and, if making in advance, add 1 or 2 Tbsp extra water for it to be a bit thinner than desired consistency as it will thicken considerably in the fridge. 

Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite "traditional" recipe you'd like upgraded into a beautiful Raw Vegan version?  Comment below & I'll recreate it for you!

 

All Love,

Juliane

 

 Thank you for visiting 🙂


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