RAWvolution Book Review or How to "try on" Raw Foods

When you are looking to experiment with new kinds of food, especially raw foods, it can get a little overwhelming. To help you get started, I interviewed the creators of RawVolution.com and the writers of their new book – RawVolution Continues.

If you live in LA (and if that’s the case, I am very envious!) you can drive down to their restaurant in Santa Monica and experience some of their foods before trying to make them. But if you don’t have such opportunity, don’t despair – Matt Amsden shared his tips on what’s most popular, what’s easy to make and what is sooooo worth the time to make it. To purchase the book, click here.

Z-Tip – look at the numbers under each recipe and you will find how easy or complex they are as each one is rated on a scale from 1 to 3. Thank you, Matt and Janabai for this great reference! 
    

EASY DISHES
Those who love raw food, love it for two reasons – you get the most nutrition and it is easy to prepare. Case in point – smoothies! Turn to page 54, 63 or 62 to find some delicious recipes for super easy concoctions.

Wakame salad, one of my personal favorites is also very easy to create. I am happy to share the recipe below from page 151.

Another easy one is the Dragon Rolls from page 176. They are filled with nutrition, flavor and take little time to prepare.


ADVANCED LEVEL
If you have already experimented with raw foods, then try the super-tasty Sea Cakes with Cilantro Chutney from page 132. Make a lot at a time, so you’ll get more than just one meal.

For those who can’t imagine life without bread, don’t despair! Instead make the fabulous Focaccia Bread from page 125. Dip it in Olive oil or have it with a salad and you will feel satisfied. It is also great to be refrigerated for a couple of weeks.


MATT’S FAVES
When I talked to Matt, I also wanted to know what his personal favorite superfoods are. We all got our staple outfits in the closet and the same applies to pantry as our personal tastes reflect our choices. Try one or all of them, accessorize your meals with them and see how they fit you:

• Gogi Berries – high in anti-oxidants that help you fight free radicals
  
• Maca – a Peruvian root that has show to balance hormones, increase energy and boost libido
  
• Green Powder – Any green powder you prefer that has a variety of vegetables dehydrated into this easy-to-drink form
  
• Spirulina – One of Matt’s favorite algaes that is high protein, vitamins and minerals. 

CREAMY WAKAME SEAWEED SALAD

FOR THE DRESSING

• ¼ cup olive oil 
  
• 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
  
• ¼ cup raw walnuts 
  
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
  
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 
  
• 3-inch piece peeled fresh ginger
  

FOR THE SALAD

• 1 1/3 cup ribbed wakame, soaked for 1 hour and drained
  
• 2/3 cup dulse
  
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
  
• 1 cup chopped stemmed cilantro
  
•  3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  

To make the dressing, in a high speed blender, combine all of the ingredients and blend until smooth.

To make the salad, combine the wakame, cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds in a large salad bowl. Toss the salad with the dressing. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

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