Raw Flax-Tomato Crackers: A Dehydrated Delight

There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when simple, raw ingredients are coaxed into something entirely new and utterly delicious. I remember the first time I stumbled upon a bag of dehydrated crackers in my local health food store, their earthy scent promising a satisfying crunch. A spark ignited – a culinary challenge and a personal invitation to explore the art of transformation. I ventured home, armed with a bag of golden flax and a head full of ideas, and set out to recreate that simple, wholesome goodness. The result? Crackers that were not only delicious but a testament to the power of patient dehydration, a treat my partner affectionately dubbed “pretty good” – and for me, that was high praise indeed.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16-24 hours (dehydration)
• Total Time: 16 hours 15 minutes – 24 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 24
• Yield: Approximately 2-3 dehydrator sheets
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Raw

Ingredients

The beauty of these crackers lies in their minimalist ingredient list, allowing the vibrant flavors of sun-kissed tomatoes and wholesome flax to shine through.

• 1 cup golden flax seed, soaked for 2 hours in filtered water
• 8 sun-dried tomatoes, pieces (soaked for about 1/2 hour)
• 1/3 bell pepper (any color will work, but red or yellow add sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 paste tomatoes (raw and chopped)
• 1 medium red onion (chopped)
• 1 garlic clove (put through a garlic press for a fine paste)
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (your choice – think basil, cilantro, dill, or a mix)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Paprika or cayenne, to taste (optional, for a touch of heat)

Notes on Ingredients:

• Flax Seed: Soaking the flax seeds is crucial. It softens them and creates a gel-like substance that acts as a binder, essential for holding the crackers together.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For the best flavor and texture, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for soaking, or rehydrate dry ones in warm water. The soaking water can sometimes be quite flavorful and can be incorporated into the mixture.
• Herbs: This is where you can really get creative! Fresh basil offers a classic Mediterranean feel, while cilantro adds a bright, zesty note. Dill is wonderful for a more savory cracker. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites.

Equipment Needed

To embark on this raw cracker-making journey, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment:

• Food processor: This is your primary tool for breaking down and blending the ingredients.
• Small hand mixer: Used to incorporate the soaked flax seeds without over-processing them.
• Dehydrator: An essential appliance for gently drying the crackers to achieve that perfect crispness.
• Teflex sheets (or parchment paper): These are placed on your dehydrator trays to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Offset spatula: Ideal for spreading the mixture evenly on the Teflex sheets.
• Bowls: For soaking ingredients.

Instructions

The process is straightforward, focusing on blending and patient dehydration.

1. Begin by placing all the ingredients, except the soaked golden flax seed, into your food processor.
2. Process the ingredients until they are well combined and form a relatively smooth paste. You want to break down the vegetables and herbs, creating a cohesive base.
3. Carefully remove the processed tomato mixture from the food processor and place it into a bowl.
4. Now, using a small hand mixer on a low speed, gently mix the soaked flax seeds into the tomato mixture. The goal here is to distribute the flax seeds throughout the mixture while keeping them largely intact. You do not want to pulverize them; they should remain discernible in the batter.
5. Take your Teflex sheets and place them onto the trays of your dehydrator.
6. Spoon the mixture onto the prepared Teflex sheets. Using an offset spatula, spread the mixture to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Be sure to spread it evenly, leaving a border of about 1 inch around the edges. It’s important to achieve a consistent thickness; too thin and the crackers can become brittle and difficult to handle, while too thick will result in a longer dehydration time and a chewier cracker. Experimentation here is key to finding your preferred texture. Continue this process until all the mixture is used.
7. Place the trays into your dehydrator and dehydrate at approximately 110°F for at least 8-12 hours. The exact time will depend on the humidity of your environment and the thickness of your crackers.
8. At some point during the dehydration process, it’s beneficial to flip the crackers over. This ensures even drying on both sides. You can do this by carefully placing another Teflex sheet on top of the partially dehydrated cracker, pressing down gently, and then flipping the whole thing over to peel off the original sheet.
9. Continue to dehydrate for another 8-12 hours, or until the crackers are completely dry and crisp to your liking. In very dry climates, 8 hours might be sufficient.
10. Once dried, carefully break the crackers into desired pieces.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As you become more comfortable with this recipe, you’ll discover little nuances that elevate your raw crackers even further.

• Texture Control: The 1/8-inch thickness is a guideline. If you prefer a crunchier, more brittle cracker, aim for slightly thinner. If you like a cracker with a bit more chew, go slightly thicker. It truly is a personal preference, so don’t be afraid to test different thicknesses.
• Herb Infusion: For an intense herb flavor, you can finely chop some herbs and also add a tablespoon of herb-infused olive oil in addition to the plain olive oil.
• Seed Variation: While golden flax is classic, you could experiment with adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to the soaking liquid for added texture and nutrition. Be aware this may alter the binding slightly.
• Troubleshooting Brittle Crackers: If your crackers are too thin and break easily, it’s usually a sign they’ve been dehydrated for too long or were spread too thinly. Next time, aim for a slightly thicker spread. If they are still too brittle after a full dehydration cycle, you might need to slightly reduce the dehydration time or increase the thickness.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These raw flax-tomato crackers are wonderfully versatile.

Serving:
Enjoy them as is for a satisfying snack, or pair them with your favorite toppings. They are absolutely delicious with a slice of ripe tomato, creamy avocado, a dollop of hummus, or a smear of your favorite nut butter. They also make an excellent base for canapés or a beautiful topping crumbled over a fresh green salad.

Storage:
Store your dehydrated crackers in an airtight container at room temperature. In a dry, sealed container, they should stay crisp for up to 1-2 weeks. If your climate is humid, or if you find they are losing their crispness, storing them in the refrigerator can help maintain their texture. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage. If they lose their crunch, you can briefly return them to the dehydrator on a very low setting (around 100°F) for 15-30 minutes to refresh them.

Nutritional Information

This information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	48.4 kcal
Calories from Fat	16.1 kcal
Total Fat	1.8 g	2%
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	1%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	56.9 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	6.7 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	3.3 g	12%
Sugars	1.0 g	1%
Protein	2.1 g	4%

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of raw food preparation is its adaptability. Feel free to play with these ideas:

• Herb Fusion: Experiment with different herb combinations. Try a spicy blend with cilantro, jalapeño, and lime. A Mediterranean mix with oregano, thyme, and rosemary is also divine.
• Vegetable Power: While bell pepper and paste tomatoes are the base, you could try adding a small amount of sundried zucchini or a pinch of beet powder for color and subtle flavor variation. Always ensure the moisture content is balanced.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Seed Boost: Consider adding a tablespoon of hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds to the mixture for added crunch and nutritional benefits. Ensure they are raw.

FAQs

Q: How do I ensure my crackers are evenly dehydrated?
A: Spreading the mixture to a uniform thickness of about 1/8 inch is crucial. Flipping them halfway through the dehydration process also helps ensure even drying on both sides.

Q: My crackers are sticking to the Teflex sheet, what can I do?
A: This usually happens if they are not fully dehydrated. Ensure they are completely dry and crisp before attempting to remove them. If they still stick, try gently pressing another Teflex sheet on top, then flipping and peeling.

Q: Can I make these without a dehydrator?
A: While a dehydrator is ideal for achieving the perfect raw cracker texture, you might be able to achieve a similar result using your oven on its lowest setting (around 110°F or 45°C) with the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. This will require close monitoring and may take longer.

Q: How long do these crackers typically last?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they should remain crisp for 1-2 weeks. Humidity can affect their lifespan.

Q: What is the best way to store them if I live in a humid climate?
A: In humid conditions, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to help maintain their crispness, or even freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Raw Flax-Tomato Crackers are more than just a snack; they are a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the transformative power of patience. They represent a conscious choice to nourish the body with whole, unadulterated ingredients. I encourage you to embrace the process, play with the herbs, and discover your own perfect texture. Whether you’re enjoying them alongside a vibrant salad, topping a hearty soup, or simply savoring them solo, I hope these crackers bring a little bit of raw, wholesome joy into your life. Share your creations, your flavor experiments, and your feedback – the culinary journey is always best when shared.