One of the most important reasons why people choose raw, vegan or raw vegan lifestyle is the wish to eat healthier food, but we all know that old habits die hard. Many people have olfactory and gustatory memories, and cravings for foods that normally are not associated with any healthy diet. Salted caramel might be one such food.
The original salted caramel is made of sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt where the sugar is heated and caramelized and then cooked with butter and heavy cream. Although delicious, salted caramel is very unhealthy, not just for the raw foodies.
There is, however, a healthier version of this delicious sauce. You can make it at home using a few healthy ingredients. The taste and texture vary slightly form the original, but you can enjoy it without guilt… in small doses since it is still very, very sweet and high in calories.
For my raw, vegan caramel sauce I used mineral rich Arctic sea salt flakes. You can use any type of sea salt you wish. Make sure it is pure, unadulterated, and not treated with chemicals. I also added virgin olive oil for additional nutritional value as well as creaminess. You can use any other cold pressed seed oil or skip it altogether.
Ingredients:
- 10 large, soft medjool dates, soaked in water for a few hours, pits removed
- 1/2-1 tsp sea salt (use more or less)
- 2 Tbsp virgin olive oil
- 2-3 Tbsp soaking water from soaking the dates, add more if needed
- 1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract
Method:
- In a food processor whiz dates, salt, olive oil and the soaking water. If you are satisfied with the consistency, add vanilla extract and process until well combined.
- Taste and add more salt or vanilla extract, as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water and process again.
- Scoop out the caramel mass into a jar, close tight and store in fridge. Use within a few days in raw deserts, nice-creams, as a bread spread or a base for delicious smoothie. Enjoy in good company!
In radiant health, passionately raw – Dominique
Dominique Allmon©2023