“I do not think I am cut out for a fully raw food life, but I do love a beet ravioli. Marinated beets are flavourful and make a bright contrast to the luscious, rich macadamia pesto cheese that is packed with plant power. Herbs are often overlooked as sources of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals—we really need to eat more. This is a very quick and satisfying light meal or appetizer.”– Good for Your Gut by Desiree Nielsen, Penguin Canada
Marinate the beets: Place the sliced beets in a medium bowl. Cover the beets with the avocado oil, lemon juice, and salt. Let marinate while you make the cheese.
Make the macadamia pesto cheese: In a small food processor, add the macadamia nuts and water. Blitz until the nuts are finely chopped. Add the basil, parsley, hemp hearts, nutritional yeast, garlic, and salt. Pulse until well minced. With the processor running, drizzle in the avocado oil and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the lemon juice and salt, if needed.
Depending on the size of the beets, you can either fold 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of the macadamia pesto cheese inside each beet slice or you can make little ravioli sandwiches with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of cheese between 2 beet slices.
Leftover beet and pesto cheese can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. They are delicious tucked into a sandwich or added to a salad.