Zesty Sweet Potato Noodles with Luscious Raw Marinara
Experience a delightful twist on traditional pasta with these zesty sweet potato noodles, crafted from finely shredded or spiralized raw sweet potato. The unique texture mimics that of al dente pasta while maintaining a wholesome profile. Paired with a luscious marinara sauce made from fresh roma tomatoes, creamy soaked almonds, and savory sun-dried tomatoes, this dish beautifully balances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes with tangy and herbaceous flavors. Each bite transports you to the sun-kissed landscapes of Italy, harmonizing raw food principles with Italian heritage. Perfect for those seeking a light, nutrient-dense meal that delights the senses without compromising on taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet potato
1 (shredded or spiralized)
roma tomatoes
2 (chopped)
raw almonds
1/4 cup (soaked for 2-4 hours and dried)
sun-dried tomatoes
7 (soaked in warm water)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (extra virgin)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
red pepper flakes
1 dash (for garnish)
water
as needed (for soaking and blending)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the sun-dried tomatoes in warm water for about 20-30 minutes, until they soften. Ensure that the water temperature does not exceed 118 degrees Fahrenheit, in line with raw food preparation guidelines. After soaking, drain and set aside.
2
Prepare the sweet potato by scrubbing it clean. You can choose to peel it or leave the skin on for added nutrients. Using a standard box grater (small side) or spiralizer, shred the sweet potato into long, noodle-like strips. Set aside in a bowl.
3
Drain the soaked almonds and pat dry with a paper towel. In a blender or food processor, pulse the almonds until they reach a flour-like consistency. A few pulses should suffice.
4
To the almond flour, add the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and a dash of red pepper flakes. Blend until the ingredients are well combined, adding a splash of water if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
5
Chop the roma tomatoes and the softened sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces, then add them to the blender. Blend again until the mixture forms a thick, creamy marinara sauce.
6
To serve, divide the sweet potato noodles into two bowls. Generously ladle the tangy marinara sauce over the top, ensuring each noodle is well-coated. For an extra kick, sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Sweet Potato Noodles with Luscious Raw Marinara?
It is a raw, nutrient-dense pasta alternative featuring spiralized sweet potatoes and a creamy marinara sauce made from fresh and sun-dried tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for a raw food diet?
Yes, all ingredients are prepared raw, and soaking temperatures are kept below 118 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain raw food principles.
How are the sweet potato noodles created?
The noodles are made by scrubbing a sweet potato and then shredding it with a box grater or using a spiralizer to create long strips.
Do I need to peel the sweet potato?
Peeling is optional; you can leave the skin on for extra nutrients if the potato is scrubbed clean.
How long should I soak the sun-dried tomatoes?
The sun-dried tomatoes should be soaked in warm water for approximately 20 to 30 minutes until they become soft.
What is the maximum water temperature for soaking ingredients?
To keep the dish raw, the water temperature should not exceed 118 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why do the almonds need to be soaked?
Almonds are soaked for 2 to 4 hours to improve texture and digestibility before being pulsed into a flour-like consistency.
What kind of tomatoes are used for the marinara sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of fresh roma tomatoes and softened sun-dried tomatoes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as it uses vegetables and nuts instead of traditional grain-based pasta.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this dish contains no animal products and is 100% plant-based.
What ingredients provide the Italian flavor profile?
The flavor comes from a blend of oregano, basil, extra virgin olive oil, and roma tomatoes.
How do I make the almond flour for the sauce?
Drain and dry the soaked almonds, then pulse them in a blender or food processor until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency.
What can I use to thicken the marinara sauce?
The combination of pulsed raw almonds and sun-dried tomatoes creates a naturally thick and creamy consistency.
How do I adjust the sauce if it is too thick?
You can add a small splash of water during the blending process to reach your desired consistency.
Does this dish have a spicy element?
Yes, it includes red pepper flakes which can be adjusted or used as a garnish for an extra kick.
Is the sweet potato cooked in this recipe?
No, the sweet potato is served raw to maintain its nutrient profile and unique al dente texture.
How many roma tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for two chopped roma tomatoes.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and quality.
How many sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
The recipe requires seven sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor can be used to pulse the almonds and blend the marinara sauce ingredients.
Is this dish considered low-carb?
Yes, using sweet potato noodles instead of wheat pasta makes it a lower-carb, vegetable-forward alternative.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The instructions suggest dividing the prepared noodles and sauce into two bowls.
Are the herbs fresh or dried?
The recipe specifies using dried oregano and dried basil.
How much lemon juice is needed?
One teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to add zest to the sauce.
Does the dish contain salt?
Yes, it includes half a teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your taste.
What is the texture of the sweet potato noodles?
The raw shredded sweet potato provides a texture similar to al dente pasta.
Can I store the leftovers?
While best served fresh, you can store the sauce and noodles separately in the refrigerator.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include raw food, sweet potato, pasta alternative, vegan, gluten-free, and healthy.
Is any refined sugar added to the sauce?
No, the sauce relies on the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and sweet potatoes.
How do I ensure the noodles are well-coated?
Generously ladle the marinara over the bowls and toss the noodles to ensure the thick sauce covers them evenly.