Mexican food to me is a ripe avocado, a rainbow of beans, fresh herbs, spicy chilies, tangy citrus, and tropical fruits. Combining what I felt were the best elements of Mexican flavors, the Raw Taco was born. A raw walnut mix is the base and looks almost like ground beef, topped with tangy salsa, avocado slices and cashew sour cream. Wrap it all up in a romaine leaf, and you have successfully entered raw taco paradise!
The ingredient list for this recipe seems quite long, but trust me, it’s worth it. Everything comes together surprisingly fast. The important thing to try is the walnut taco mix, because even if you don’t get around to the other stuff, you will be blown away by how tasty and satisfying it is.
RAW TACOS RECIPE
Serves 4
Walnut Taco Mix:
1 cup raw walnuts
1 tablespoon tamari
1/8 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Put all ingredients in a food processor and pulse just to mix.
Cashew Sour Cream:
½ cup raw cashews
juice of ½ lemon
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
¼ cup water
Put all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Salsa:
1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
½ red bell pepper, chopped fine
½ orange bell pepper, chopped fine
3 green onions, minced
½ cup chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced
juice of ½ lime
1 teaspoon honey
pinch of sea salt
Whisk the garlic, lime juice, honey, and sea salt in a bowl and set aside. Cut the veggies into small pieces, and add everything to the dressing bowl. Fold to combine and let sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
To assemble: add walnut taco mix to the romaine leaf. Top with salsa, avocado, cilantro and drizzle with cashew sour cream. Roll it up and enjoy!
Melanie Haraldson is the Healthy Eating and Green Mission Specialist for the Whole Foods Market in Pembroke Pines, Fla. She is a board certified Holistic Health Coach through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Her goal is to help others discover a whole new world of flavor, nourishment, love, health, happiness and balance.