Tortilla Soup, or the likes...

[jesdenm]

Just before enbarking on my RAW food journey, I fell in love with Tortilla soup. I have just purchased a food processor and a seed grinder. Does anyone know of recipe to closley resemble this soup? I know it includes taco seasoning (is this considered raw)?

On a separate note: I seem to be really lost about what I can and can't buy when it comes to seasoning, beans, and rice. Any input would be appreciated.

Christine

[SamuelWilson]

Alissa has a recipe for chili and for corn chips. You could make the chili and just crumble up the corn chips in it. This is just an idea.

When it comes to seasonings, rule number one is they must have never experienced temperatures above 105/118. You can either buy fresh herbs and dry your own seasonings in the dehydrator or you can buy from a company named Frontier. Frontier is the leading supplier of seasoning for raw foodist.

On the subject of salt, the only salt we can use is either Celtic Sea Salt (R) or Redmond RealSalt (R) which are both natural unprocessed salts. The fine ground in either version is also raw, as it never experiences heat above the critical temperature. Do not buy these so called "sea salts" from main stream grocery stores as they are processed and do not fit into a raw food diet.

Also, one more tip. Brands like McCormick, etc.. are not raw. They heat some of their herbs at 160 to speed up the drying process. Stick with Frontier or another company called Simply Organic. You should inquire with the manufacturer when you are in doubt. You only have to ask one time. For example, I do not need to keep asking if Frontier's chili powder is raw because I have inquired and I already know that it is. It may seem like a lot of trouble, but you have to establish a good foundation to ensure you are eating properly. Furthermore, even if you did use a McCormick brand seasoning for a recipe, it is a small amount. Sometimes you have to make exceptions and that is totally understandable.

On the subject of beans. It is according to the person, some people have difficulty digesting raw beans. I have put raw black beans in a raw chili, however, I probably wouldn't eat a bowl of raw black beans. Some beans like fava beans are ok to eat raw for some people. You just have to experiment. When in doubt, you can come back to the forum and ask us about specific bean and we can give you more information.

As far as rice goes, a raw foodist only eats brown rice. White rice is not living (another words, if you soak it in water, it still won't sprout).

Hopefully, I have given you a starting point.

NOTE: SAD dieticians claim that eating some raw beans are poisonous, however, I do not agree. I have eaten a large variety of raw beans and I never got sick. This is not to say that someone else will not though. You should research any raw food item when you are in doubt.

[jesdenm]

Thank you for the input. I will order from Frontier to make sure I have RAW seasoning. I appreciate your help regarding beans and rice also.

[Boysenberry]

I think Himalayan salt is OK too. I prefer its taste the best.

[wyjoz]

TORTILLA SOUP
Chef Roxanne Klein of Roxanne’s – Larkspur, CA
Adapted by StarChefs

http://starchefs.com/chefs/RKlein/html/tortilla_soup_r_klein.shtml

[SamuelWilson]

Himalayan Crystal Salt (R) is good also, I should have mentioned that one.

I went ahead an ordered some himalayan salt/salt grinder combo. I really like that kind of stuff. It gives your meals a bit of class. I recently received some tooth picks that are made out of wood from a cinnamon tree. I really like them and my guest like them also.

http://www.himalayansalt.com/images/salt-grinder.jpg

[jaurequi]

I'm surprised I noticed a difference with good-quality Himalayan salt -- it's delicious. I also seem to use way less of it; not sure if it's more concentrated or just more flavorful.