Raw Vegan Pizza with Cashew Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to the culinary journey of creating a raw pizza, a dish celebrated for its fresh, vibrant flavors and healthful twist on a classic favorite. This guide is inspired by a unique recipe that brings together the simplicity of raw ingredients with the sophistication of gourmet cooking. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious novice, the process of making a raw pizza unfolds in a delightful exploration of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

The foundation of our raw pizza lies in its carefully selected ingredients, designed to offer a rich tapestry of flavors while ensuring nutritional balance. Here's what you'll need:

• For the Crust:

  • 1.5 cups of raw almonds (soaked for at least two hours, overnight preferred)
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1-2 cloves of garlic

• For the Cashew Cheese Sauce:

  • Raw cashews, soaked (preferably for 24 hours)
  • 2-4 cloves of garlic
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • A pinch of sea salt
  • A splash of olive oil (optional)
  • Tamari (wheat-free soy sauce), to taste
  • Nutritional yeast, for that cheesy flavor
  • Water, as needed for blending

• Toppings:

  • Grape or cherry tomatoes
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, optionally packed in olive oil
  • Fresh parsley
  • Red onion slices
  • Yellow or orange bell pepper, for color and sweetness
  • Kalamata olives
  • Other favorites as desired (e.g., marinated mushrooms)

Preparation Steps

Creating a raw pizza is a labor of love, divided into distinct phases that each contribute to the final masterpiece.

1. The Crust: Begin with blending soaked almonds, basil, sea salt, and garlic in a food processor. Once the mixture reaches a coarse, dough-like consistency, shape it into a base on a serving plate or tray. This can be a single large pizza or multiple mini pizzas, depending on preference.

2. The Cashew Cheese Sauce: Blend soaked cashews with garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, olive oil, tamari, and nutritional yeast, adding water as necessary to achieve a creamy texture. This sauce not only adds depth to the pizza but can be a versatile addition to other dishes.

3. Assembling the Pizza: Start with a layer of the cashew cheese sauce over the crust. Then, add a vibrant array of toppings: tomatoes for freshness, sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick, parsley as a green base, followed by onions, bell peppers, and olives for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Conclusion

The raw pizza stands as a testament to the beauty of raw cuisine, a dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious. With each bite, you experience a medley of flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying. This recipe is more than just food; it's an invitation to experiment with natural ingredients, to appreciate the art of raw cooking, and to enjoy a meal that's good for both body and soul. Whether served immediately or chilled for later, this raw pizza promises a culinary delight that's bound to become a favorite in any household.