Bacon, Bacon, Bacon…Well, Not Really Bacon

Cravings, we all have them. So in trying to be a vegan and a raw vegan at that, there are some things I have had to give up. Bacon happens to be one of those things. Well not any more.

Creativity is the key to transforming your diet. And while a lot of people have dreamed up recipes to emulate bacon, I really feel the sweet, smokey flavor of this bacon is the closest you can get to the real thing. Texture wise, it’s as crisp or as chewy as you want it and it’s the perfect add on for any sandwich or appetizer.

I experimented and tried different types of food and different techniques, tweaking the recipe as I went. Eggplant bacon was not my favorite, which given my love for eggplant was very disappointing. Next I tried rice paper and although it didn’t work for what I was making it for, I know what I want to do with it in a future recipe. The coconut wins hands down with it’s sweet smokey flavor, crispy texture and ease of preparation.

RAW VEGAN RECIPE: “Bacon, Bacon, Bacon”

1 cup shaved fresh raw coconut (a potato peeler works great)

3 tblsp raw organic Shoyu sauce

2 1/2 tblsp Liquid Smoke *

1 1/2 tblsp maple syrup

healthy pinch of onion powder

1/8 tsp smoked paprika

healthy pinch of garlic powder

Mix liquid and powdered ingredients well, add coconut and toss. Let sit covered in the refrigerator for one hour to marinate. Spread out on silicone sheet and place in dehydrator for 2 hours. Place on mesh and continue to dehydrate for an additional 2 hours or if you want it really crispy, keep it in for an additional 4 hours.

*Liquid Smoke is not raw (technically neither is the smoked paprika), but if you choose to not use the liquid smoke, up the smoked paprika to a 1/2 tsp.