Tropical Raw Raviolis

Of all my recipes, this one seems to get the most Oohs and Ahhs at dinner parties and I think it’s because these little bites of heaven actually taste like ravioli! First, don’t let the “raw” description scare you. A lot of times people think of raw foods as cold and tasteless. These little tropical bites of health are served at room temperature but they are so flavorful, you’ll never think “raw” when enjoying them. Try them as an appetizer or as an entire meal- they’re super filling because the macadamia nuts host 2.2grams of protein per ounce.

Here’s the full skinny on the total health benefit of these rolls of joy:

– Unlike most nuts, macadamia nuts are low in Omega-6 fats, which can be inflammatory and unhealthy in large amounts. They are a good source of monounsaturated fat, which makes macadamia nuts a much higher-quality source of fats. Macadamia nut oils can help reduce inflammation and they are high in thiamin, manganese and copper.

– Zucchini is a beauty boosting food as it’s high in fiber and high in water content, which helps hydrate the skin. Zucchini is low in overall calories and high in nutrients like manganese, vitamin C vitamin A, folate, potassium, copper, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, calcium, protein and vitamins B1, B2, and B6. Zucchini helps with digestion, immunity and it keeps you full.

– Raw garlic, when crushed or chewed has the sulphur-containing compound, Allicin, which has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties. Garlic is packed with Vitamin B1, 2, 3 and 6 as well as folate, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, sodium and zinc. Raw garlic helps to purify your blood, it’s an amazing remedy to rid yourself of a cold or the flu and it helps lower cholesterol due to its high anti-oxidant properties. Raw garlic is also believed to help prevent stomach and colorectal cancers.

– Fresh basil also contains disease fighting antioxidants, acts as an anti-inflammatory, contains anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, promotes cardiovascular health and is believed to boost the immune system and help fight cancer.

It’s important to note that by using a food processor on raw vegetables, herbs and garlic, it helps to help activate the nutrients before they go into your body, helping you absorb even more amazing vitamins and minerals.

Tropical Raw Raviolis

Serves: 24 Individual Raviolis
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
For the pasta:
– 2 zucchini

For the cheese:
– 1 heaping cup of Hawaiian macadamia nuts (or cashews)
– Juice of one lemon
– 1/2 Tbs. Hawaiian sea salt
– 1/4 cup water

For the tomato sauce:
– 1 heaping cup of plum or cherry tomatoes
– 4 cloves raw garlic
– 1/2 Tbs. Hawaiian sea salt
– Pinch of coconut sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/3 cup chopped onion

Instructions:
1. Using a vegetable peeler, cut 24 strips of zucchini (long ways)
2. In a food processor, combine the macadamia nuts, lemon juice, ½ Tbs. sea salt and ¼ cup water.
3. Blend until the mixture is free of lumps and no longer has “crunch” to the consistency (it will looks a little gritty)
4. Set cheese mixture aside
5. Rinse the food processor.
6. Add the tomatoes, garlic, ½ Tbs. sea salt, coconut sugar, basil leaves and onion and blend until mixture is “salsa” like.
7. Set tomato sauce mixture aside
8. To create the raviolis, take a strip of zucchini and place a dollop of the cheese mixture at the bottom of the strip. Roll the strip all the way to the top making a little zucchini roll.
9. Place the raviolis on a plate and spoon some of the tomato sauce mixture onto the raviolis.
10. Serve as an appetizer or as a meal!