Kelp Noodles: Not As Weird As You Think

I must admit I, too, was a bit skeptical when it came to trying kelp noodles for the first time.  Yes, I like super healthy foods like seaweeds but I was picturing this to be fishy-smelling and slimy.  I'm happy to say I was wrong.  I turned this kelp noodle foe into a best friend of mine!  

If you don't believe me, ask my dad (he agreed to go raw with me for awhile) who hates fishy seaweeds, including nori.  He loved both of these dishes.  It's especially tasty as a replacement to pasta and the best part, aside from the lack of calories you'll be consuming, is the feeling afterwards.  You're left feeling full but not sluggish.  

It's a most satisfying meal!  Try for yourself! 

Raw Pesto Kelp Noodles (v, gf)

makes ~ 6 servings

3/4 package kelp noodles, rinsed & patted dry

3/4 C. fresh basil

~2 C. fresh spinach

1 Tb. Rawmesan cheese

1/3 C. pine nuts

1 clove garlic

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

2-3 Tb. extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

1.  Use a strainer to rinse the kelp noodles under water thoroughly and spread out onto a kitchen towel to dry.
2.  In a food processor, add garlic clove, basil, spinach, Rawmesan, pine nuts, sea salt and black pepper.  Process for about 10 seconds or until combined.  Scrape down the sides and repeat.
3.  Slowly stream in the olive oil and process for an additional 15-20 seconds or so; until creamy and smooth.
4.  Place the prepared kelp noodles into a large bowl and pour the pesto sauce on top.  Use a spatula to fold the sauce into the noodles until it's completely coated.  Add more sea salt to taste.

TIP:  Sometimes it's helpful to cut the noodles to a desired length if they're too long using kitchen scissors.  This is especially helpful if you're feeding this to kids!

Miso Peanut Kelp Noodles (v)

makes ~6 servings

1 Tb. miso paste

3 Tb. peanut butter, creamy

1 Tb. agave nectar

~2 Tb. water

1 tsp. rice vinegar

1/4 C. shredded carrots

Directions: 

1.  Use a strainer to rinse the kelp noodles under water thoroughly and spread out onto a kitchen towel to dry.

2.  In a medium sized bowl, stir together miso, peanut butter, agave, water and rice vinegar until creamy.  Add more water as needed for desired consistency.  

3.  Stir in shredded carrots.

4.  Combine the prepared kelp noodles and the miso peanut sauce, stirring gently until completely incorporated.  

Did You Know?  Kelp Noodles are such a great food source.  Being a sea vegetable, they're full of calcium and minerals.  Not only is low in calories and carbs, it's a naturally vegan and gluten-free food.  Also try it in salads and stir-frys.

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