A few months ago I wrote about my new found experiences with raw food in LA. It was a revelation at the time and I still try to incorporate some raw recipes into my diet.
I was recently trawling raw food guru, Juliano's website for some ideas when I spotted his recipe of the month for a basic wrap.
I read the recipe and instantly thought 'wow'. Now you might be looking at the picture above and be thinking that I'm far too easily excited. It's a bit of lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion and what looks to be like soy sauce in the background. So what?
But that's exactly why I'm excited. It's healthy, ridiculously simple and absolutely delicious. The sauce is a mixture of nama shoyu (raw, unpasteurized soy sauce) and lemon juice. Light soy sauce will also suffice.
The combination of red romaine lettuce, juicy tomato, slices of creamy avocado topped with sweet, white onion is perfect in its simplicity. The dipping sauce is also perfect -- full-bodied with a fresh lemony twist. I like to add finely grated ginger for an extra layer of flavour.
I ate ten of these little wraps and would have kept going if I hadn't had to share my simple feast.
I urge you to try this recipe and if you do, please let me know what you think. Am I too easily pleased?
Raw Wrap Recipe
Red Romaine lettuce, washed and patted dry
1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced
1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
1/2 small white onion, thinly sliced
Cilantro for garnishing
Sesame seeds for garnishing (optional)
Dipping Sauce
1/4 cup of nama shoyu or light soya sauce
Juice from half a lemon
3cm piece of ginger, finely grated (optional)
Method:
- Cut the lettuce into little circular shapes that can fit in your hand.
- Assemble wrap by placing a slice of tomato on the lettuce, followed by avocado, onion, cilantro and then sesame seeds.
- Mix together the dipping sauce and then serve.
At first glance I was wondering if the soy sauce fit the bill-- I thought it was brewed or whatever. But nama shoyu sounds very intriguing (I wonder how long it lasts)... I don't doubt at all that this was delicious :)
Posted by: Manggy | 01 October 2008 at 04:52 PM
HOORAY FOR A GORGEOUS RAW DISH!!
Posted by: VeggieGirl | 01 October 2008 at 10:57 PM
nama shoyu fits into the raw, it can be a little more pricey then your regular soy sauce/tamari.
This looks really tasty. I too have recently been eating more raw foods and feeling great for it.
Posted by: bex | 02 October 2008 at 12:38 AM
Thanks for this recipe. You're right it's so easy but yet, it's not something I would have thought of trying until now! I'll let you know if you're too easily pleased...stay tuned!
Posted by: Clara | 02 October 2008 at 03:51 AM
What a beautiful photo...it speaks of health and a crisp palate and freshness. I love it!
Ronell
Posted by: myfrenchkitchen | 02 October 2008 at 03:55 AM
I too get so happy about food that is simple and delicious like that. And if it's good for you? Then count me in! This looks like the perfect snack.
Posted by: Erinn @ Sunday Dish | 02 October 2008 at 04:57 AM
Hey Syrie, just thought I'd let you know...drumroll please...the wraps are great! Love them. I added some cilantro like you said and a bit of ginger to the dipping sauce. Lip smacking good! Cheers.
Posted by: Clara | 02 October 2008 at 09:46 AM
Absolutely amazing photograph Syrie!!
Really love the simplicity of this too. So fresh and healthy. I think Daikon Radish would be a nice substitute for the white onion too.
Posted by: [email protected]&cherry | 03 October 2008 at 09:29 AM
If raw food means huge helpings of avocado then I'm all for it!
Posted by: Jude | 03 October 2008 at 03:05 PM
Just the picture alone is enough to want to taste it. I am very interested in the topic and will put it on my "must try" list. Thanks for the recipe!
Posted by: Alexa | 04 October 2008 at 02:37 AM
Good question Mark, I'm not sure about that one but probably not as normal soy as it has a lighter salt content as well.
Glad you like it Veggie girl!
Good to hear about it Bex. Me too. Not as much as I probably should though. Thanks for visiting.
Clara, I'm sp pleased you tried it. Glad you liked it!
Thanks so much Ronnell! Good to hear from you.
Me too Erinn! I'm easily pleased. Thanks for visiting.
Hi Christie. Daikon is a great addition to it. Thanks for the tip!
Ha! Another avocado lover. Thanks Jude!
Hope you like it Alexa!
Posted by: Syrie | 08 October 2008 at 04:31 AM