To be or not to be.....RAW: Raw Lasagna

Yes, I admit I do like it raw.  I have teetered back and forth between being veggie and going raw ever since my trip to LA in 2003 when I dined at M.A.K.E.  It's pretty amazing how you can transform "live" foods into something that is typically cooked and made with completely different ingredients.  Best part is, it is freakin' delicious and extremely healthy!

Raw mushroom lasagna 

This raw lasagna is visually gorgeous, fresh and tasty.  If you choose to do this recipe, please note that creating it TRULY raw does take some time.  You will not be actually in the kitchen during all the time allotted, though you will need to let some items to soak or slow "cook" at very low temperatures.





Ingredients:
2 zucchinis
1/2 c - 1 c cherry tomatoes
spinach
button mushrooms
swiss chard
a few tablespoons of chopped walnuts
EVOO
basil
1/2 lemon
2 garlic clove garlic
1 cup raw cashews
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
nutritional yeast
salt, pepper, onion powder
balsamic vinegar
dash of soy sauce (optional)

For the lasagna "noodles":
slice zucchinis into long strips (best to use mandolin) and lightly salt.  cover and refrigerate for a few hours or until at desired tenderness

"ricotta":
soak raw cashews in water for at least 2 hours.  Drain the cashews, saving some of the water for blending.  In a blender add: soaked cashews, apple cider vinegar, garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste.  Blend to desired consistency.  If it seems too thick, add some of the water used to soak the nuts

pesto:
blend: raw swiss chard, raw walnuts, lemon juice, evoo, 1 clove garlic, salt & pepper.  If too thick, add a bit of water.

red sauce:
blend: cherry tomatoes, evoo, 1/2 garlic glove, basil and nutritional yeast.  let sit at least 20 min to marinate flavors

filling:
marinate mushrooms and spinach in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce and s&p.  let sit for at least 2 hours.

to form lasagna:
start placing the noodles down first, then alternate all the above components in whatever order you desire.  you can make one large dish of this, or create personal size pieces.

enjoy!