Raw Falafel, Tabouli, and a Lemon Tahini Sauce

The longer I’m a raw foodie, the less I crave cooked foods. I’ve soon regretted the few times I’ve had some heavier cooked foods, as my body was quick to remind me why I eat raw (i.e. food coma). But what I find interesting is that the longer I’m raw, the less raw gourmet foods I am interested in. I have always loved preparing big meals in the kitchen, and although I still enjoy coming up with new meal ideas, I am quite content living off a diet of mostly green smoothies and salads.

When I committed to a mostly raw diet six months ago, I found myself mimicking the flavors and textures of the cooked foods I grew up on. I made lots of zucchini “pastas” to fill the void of the denatured foods I was used to. Since then, I’ve added more and more quick salads to my days. And so, today I share with you the best of both worlds. An easy tabouli salad and a more gourmet raw falafel with a lemon tahini sauce. It is a delicious combination that is definitely worth the little bit of extra work (mostly done by your food processor) in the kitchen.

Raw Tabouli
makes 6 servings

1/2 head cauliflower
3 cucumbers
3 tomatoes
2 cups fresh parsley
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
3 Tbsp olive oil
pinch sea salt
pinch pepper

• Quickly pulse cauliflower in food processor until roughly crumbled in texture. You may need to do this in 2 batches depending on the size of your processor. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Chop cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley. Add to bowl.
• Add remaining ingredients to salad and toss to combine.

Raw Falafel
makes about 20

1/2 cup raw pepitos, soaked 2-3 hours
1/2 cup raw walnuts, soaked 2-3 hours
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1-2 cloves garlic
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/3 cup water

• After soaking, drain and rinse pepitos and walnuts. Add to food processor and process until mostly broken down.
• Add remaining ingredients and continue processing until thoroughly combined.
• Scoop out by the heaping tablespoonful and press into balls with your hands.

Raw Lemon Tahini Sauce

4 Tbsp tahini
1 tsp honey
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 lemon, zest (use the same lemon!)
2 Tbsp cold pressed olive oil
1/8-1/4 cup water

• Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
• Serve with raw falafel