Ayurvedic Recipes: No Bake Apple Pecan Pie

• 2 cups pecans
• 10 Medjool dates, pits removed
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• pinch of salt
• dash of cinnamon
• dash of nutmeg

 Pie Filling

• 6 apples
• 6 medjool dates, pits removed
• 1 lemon, juiced
• pinch of salt (Himalayan is preferred)
• pinch of cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons almond butter (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• dash of cardamom (optional)

Directions

1. For the crust, start by roasting the pecans. This isn’t an absolute must, so for those that prefer a raw taste and texture, feel free to skip the roasting. Set the pecans aside, and then use an electric blender to macerate the dates. Slowly add the coconut oil and spices and thoroughly mix. Afterward, add the pecans and lightly pulse the mixture three times, enough to break up the pecans and mix well with the dates but not enough to turn the mixture into a butter.
2. Remove the crust mix from the blender and press into a pie dish. Find a plate that can completely cover the pie dish and place it over the crust, with the plate facing upwards so it presses into the crust. If time is of the essence, put the covered crust into the freezer for an hour. Otherwise, place it in your refrigerator to properly set before adding the filling.
3. Now for the fun part. To make the filling, start by blending the dates on high-speed until they are well mashed. Then, juice your lemon into the dates, making sure to set aside one tablespoon to sprinkle over the finished pie. Blend the lemon juice, spices and optional almond butter and honey until well blended. Now slice your apples and add to the mixture, blending until it starts to look like a very thick applesauce. Next, add the chia seeds and pulse a few times until the mixture is thoroughly blended. Afterwards, pour the mixture into the pie crust, being sure to spread evenly, then cover the pie and allow it to set in your refrigerator for at least four hours.

Of course, aside from being absolutely delicious, this tasty dessert can also help your body release toxins, support a healthy colon, is anti-inflammatory and is also good for your blood, eyes, and skin, all by using apples as the primary ingredient. So go find your favourite apples, break out that blender, and consider yourself better prepared and balanced for this holiday season.