Thursday, November 17, 2011

Eating Without Heating Raw Food Demo with Lisa Pitman and SHARAN India


Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending a demo and dinner event by certified Vegan Raw Chef Lisa Pitman, better known in the blogging and social networking circles as Veganlisa. Toronto based Lisa turned vegan at the age of 6. And now at the age of 33 (which you could *never* guess by looking at her) she not only continues to be vegan but also follows a mostly raw diet. One can clearly see the benefits of a completely plant based diet just by looking at her youthfulness, vivacity and glowing skin.

Lisa Pitman

The 3 1/2 hour long session was organised by SHARAN India at In The Pink Organic Restaurant and Bazaar. The introductory part of the program had Lisa speaking about The Healing Power of Plants where she shared her personal story about the magnificent benefits of Veganism in her life and the life of her loved ones. This was followed by the Eating Without Heating 'uncooking' demo where she showed us how to prepare a delicious, completely raw meal without ever turning on the stove.

Lisa Pitman

As Lisa churned out dish after dish with the help of a good, strong blender...

Lisa Pitman

Dr. Nandita Shah and Millie Mitra of SHARAN were in the background assisting her in any way she required.

Dr.Nandita and Millie

We could clearly see the passion Lisa has for raw food preparation and it was easy for us to get carried away by it.

Lisa Pitman in action

Lisa Pitman in action

Lisa Pitman in action

Lisa Pitman in action

Whenever Lisa was about to switch on the blender she asked us to sing a song in our heads to pass the seconds. For some reason, I hummed Alouetta to myself. :oP

During the demo, we got to glug down large glassfuls of delicious smoothies - Green Fruit Smoothie and Immuno Blast Smoothie.

After the demo, we got to indulge in a sumptuous spread of all the things she had taught us to make - Broccoli Salad with Cashew Dressing, Zucchini Rolls with Fermented Cashew Cheeze and Sun Dried Tomato Marinara Sauce, Date Squares and Coconut Lime Cheezecake.

Marinara Sauce

Zucchini Rolls

Zucchini Rolls with Marinara Sauce

Date Squares before slicing

Date Squares

Coconut Lime Cheesecake before slicing

Coconut Lime Cheesecake

It was a sublime and highly satisfying meal. And though I ate till I was bursting, I was feeling active and joyful, unlike I feel after most heavy meals.

The workshops in Bangalore are over but there are more in Gokarna, Mumbai and New Delhi. If you'd like to attend them then you can find the details on the SHARAN India events page.

You can get delicious raw food recipes and see beautiful photographs of the food and Lisa's current tour on her blog.

6 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great time and that food all looks so amazing!

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  2. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm happy we had a chance to chat. Your photos are stunning. I especially love the little zucchini roll.

    As I said before, if you ever find yourself in Toronto, I'd love to give you the vegan tour.

    xo

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  3. Great post, great pics and looks like great demo. I am doing more and more raw desserts for myself. (I'm stil on the E2 Plan) and would love to make more raw entrees. Everything well everything except the raw zucchini is calling my name(Zuke and me had a falling out)Must check out VeganLisa's site.Hugs, my friend:)

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  4. Thanks Gi. :) I think you could try the same with cabbage or cucumber slices.

    Talking about the E2 diet. We watched Forks Over Knives a few weeks ago and when they showed the E2 guy, I immediately thought of you. :)

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