Portabella Pizza: A Raw Food Delight

My journey into raw food began with a simple desire: to feel more vibrant. I remember wandering through the produce section of my local natural foods store, overwhelmed by the possibilities. Then, I stumbled upon a display for a “raw” food magazine. While it felt more like an advertisement for expensive supplements, one recipe caught my eye: Portabella Pizza. The idea of a “pizza” made entirely from raw ingredients intrigued me, and that first bite was a revelation – a burst of fresh, earthy flavors that left me feeling energized and satisfied. It was a game-changer, proving that raw food could be both delicious and incredibly creative.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Yield: 2 pizzas
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Raw

Ingredients

• 2 portabella mushrooms
• 1/2 lemon, juice of
• 4 ounces raw tahini
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon Bragg’s liquid aminos or 1 tablespoon shoyu (soy sauce)
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 8 fresh basil leaves (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Knife
• Cutting board
• Small mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Begin by cleaning the portabella mushrooms. Gently wipe away any dirt with a damp cloth or paper towel. Remove the stems; you can save them for another recipe, such as a raw vegetable stir-fry.

2. Turn the cleaned and stemmed mushrooms upside down, so the cap is facing upwards.

3. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon evenly over the inside of each mushroom cap. This will help to tenderize the mushroom and add a bright, citrusy flavor.

4. Prepare the tahini dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the raw tahini, juice of the remaining 1/2 lemon, the crushed garlic clove, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

5. Add Bragg’s liquid aminos (or shoyu) to the tahini mixture.

6. Gradually add warm water to the tahini mixture, a little at a time, while stirring continuously. Continue adding water until the dressing reaches a creamy consistency that is easily spreadable.

7. Generously spread the prepared tahini dressing evenly over the inside of each mushroom cap.

8. Arrange slices of tomato over the tahini dressing on each mushroom cap.

9. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

10. Cut each mushroom “pizza” into four slices for easier eating and serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Mushroom Selection: Choose portabella mushrooms that are firm and have a smooth, unblemished cap. Avoid mushrooms that appear slimy or have dark spots.
• Tahini Quality: The quality of your tahini will significantly impact the overall flavor of the pizza. Opt for raw tahini made from unhulled sesame seeds for the best nutritional value and flavor. Store it in the refrigerator after opening to prevent it from becoming rancid.
• Dressing Consistency: Achieving the right consistency for the tahini dressing is crucial. Add water slowly and mix well to avoid making it too thin. You want a creamy, spreadable texture.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste. A little goes a long way, so start with a small pinch and add more if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Marinating Time: For an even more intense flavor, allow the mushrooms to marinate in the lemon juice for up to 30 minutes before adding the tahini dressing.
• Enhance the Tahini: You can also add a small amount of raw honey or maple syrup to the tahini dressing for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Portabella Pizza immediately after assembly for the freshest taste and optimal texture. The mushrooms can become slightly soggy if left to sit for too long. This dish is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 24 hours, as the mushrooms will continue to release moisture. Freezing is not recommended, as it will alter the texture of the mushrooms and tahini dressing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	366 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	27.8 g	42%
Saturated Fat	3.9 g	19%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	54.6 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	23.9 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	7.6 g	30%
Sugars	5.1 g	N/A
Protein	12.9 g	25%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. N/A indicates data not available.

Variations & Substitutions

• Nut-Free Option: Replace the tahini with a sunflower seed butter dressing. Simply blend sunflower seeds with lemon juice, garlic, cayenne pepper, and Bragg’s liquid aminos (or shoyu).
• Tomato-Free: Substitute the sliced tomatoes with finely diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or zucchini.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs to garnish your pizza. Try chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives instead of basil.
• Spicier Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tahini dressing for an extra kick.
• Avocado Topping: Add slices of fresh avocado for a creamier and richer texture.
• Olive Tapenade: Spread a thin layer of olive tapenade under the tahini dressing.
• Cauliflower “Crust”: Finely chop raw cauliflower in a food processor. Squeeze out excess moisture. Mix the cauliflower with a little bit of olive oil, herbs, and spices. Press the mixture onto a parchment paper and let it sit in the dehydrator at 115F for an hour or two until it gets a slightly drier texture. Place it in the oven at 350F for another 10-15 minutes until the cauliflower crust is lightly brown. Top with the tahini mixture, tomato slices, and basil as instructed.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of mushroom?
A: While portabella mushrooms provide a hearty base, you could experiment with other large mushrooms like oyster mushrooms, but the flavor and texture will differ.

Q: Is raw tahini different from regular tahini?
A: Raw tahini is made from unhulled sesame seeds that have not been roasted, preserving more of their nutrients and natural flavor.

Q: Can I make the tahini dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, the tahini dressing can be made up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to add a little water to thin it out before using.

Q: What are Bragg’s liquid aminos?
A: Bragg’s liquid aminos is a soy-based seasoning that provides a similar flavor to soy sauce but with less sodium. You can substitute it with shoyu (soy sauce) if preferred.

Q: Can I add other raw vegetables to the pizza?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other raw vegetables like sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or sprouts.

Final Thoughts

This Portabella Pizza recipe is a testament to the delicious possibilities of raw food. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that celebrates fresh, whole ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned raw food enthusiast or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations to create your own unique raw pizza masterpiece. Share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! Consider pairing it with a refreshing green smoothie or a light salad for a complete and nourishing meal.