Grain-Free Raw Pasta two ways, and the goodness of Daikon

September 18, 2012 By Meg With 2 comments

I love faux pasta. And my love is now able to reach new heights as I am now lucky enough to own a spiral slicer!! Don’t despair, a good old vegetable peeler works very nicely too – and you get lovely ribbons that way. Which ever way you choose, get on the faux pasta bandwagon, you will have so much fun and you are limited only by your imagination!

As I’m currently in cleanse mode, I am going a little crazy with it. I have been including quite a lot of daikon radish as it’s great friends with any cleansing and detoxifying activities. 
It behaves like a diuretic, flushing toxins out via the kidneys, cleanses the liver & colon, and acts as a decongestant helping to rid mucus and gunk from the respiratory system. What more could you ask for?!

Zucchini and Daikon ‘Pasta’ with Basil and Walnut Pesto

Pasta:

Slice up a zucchini and half a daikon radish using either a vegetable peeler or a spiraliser. Sprinkle with a little olive oil, gently mix through, and set aside.
(N.B. Cucumber also works well as ‘pasta’)
Pesto:

A large handful of basil
1/3 cup walnuts (or pistachios/cashews)
1 clove of garlic
A drizzle of lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
A handful of olives, or a teaspoon of miso paste
Black pepper and sea salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a mortar and pestle or food processor, done.
Dollop the pesto on top of your faux pasta, finish with a little drizzle of olive oil, enjoy!
Raw Zucchini and Beetroot Noodle Salad with Asian Dressing

Noodles:

Slice up a zucchini and half a beetroot (or another vegetable of your choice) with a vegetable peeler or spiral slicer.
Dressing:
1 tbs miso paste
1 tsp sesame oil
½ – 1 tsp umeboshi plum puree (or 1 tbs of tamari)
½ cup olive oil
A chunk of fresh ginger, grated
1 tbs lime juice
1 – 2 tbs honey or maple syrup
3 tbs water
Blend all ingredients until combined.
Pour over enough to coat your noodles and gently work it through by hand.
Add in any other chopped vegetables you like – I used thinly sliced snow peas and fresh coriander.
Top with a sprinkling of sunflower seeds, pepitas, thinly sliced spring onion and some extra coriander to serve.
You can also add in other yummy delights – smoked tofu would be quite amazing. Or some soaked Arame strips to mingle in with the other noodles – I wish I had thought of that before, will definitely try that next time!

Much joy and deliciousness, x.