Happy official first day of spring here in the southern hemisphere!
Today I am sharing with you the four smoothie recipes from the Natural Harry caravan and my top tips to achieve the most delicious smoothie in both taste and texture every time (they are not called a smoothie for nothing!) We learnt a thing or two after making thousands of smoothies from our little caravan on the hill all those years ago and these recipes are still my favourites - they are my base recipes for the perfect smoothie. Make them your own by adding chia seeds, hemp seeds, wholefood superfood powders, probiotics...whatever you like!
Serves: 2 Prep time: 5 minutes
GREEN WARRIOR 2 cups frozen mango pieces 1 large green apple, cored and diced 1 cup (60g) cucumber 2 handfulls baby spinach leaves 1 teaspoon super green powder of choice (optional) 1 1/2 cups (375ml) coconut water or freshly squeezed apple juice 2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice
BERRY NICE DAY 2 large frozen bananas, chopped 1 cup (130g) mixed berries, fresh or frozen 1 mango cheek, peeled 1 1/2 cups (375ml) plant based milk, I used oat 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Additions: 1 tablespoon peanut butter 4 tablespoons whole rolled oats Both of the above turn this into a delicious and hearty brekkie
CACAO BUNGA 4 large frozen bananas, chopped 2 teaspoons cacao powder 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder 1 1/2 cups (375ml) plant-based milk Additions: 2 tablespoons (40ml) organic cold drip coffee (optional) - zing!
FROS-T FRUIT 2 large mangoes, pitted and peeled 2 cups (200g) frozen pineapple pieces 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves 1 1/2 cups (375ml) coconut water or freshly squeezed apple juice Additions: A little cucumber works in this one too, it's what summer dreams are made of!
METHOD: Place all of the ingredients into your blender then add the liquid. Pulse to evenly combine and blend until super smooth. Serve immediately.
SMOOTHIE TIPS: * Buy fresh produce in bulk, remembering it's cheaper during its peak season so stock up on your staple smoothie items when available. Freeze diced mango, pineapple, banana, berries and apple in zip lock bags or airtight containers for ready-to-go smoothie ingredients. * Wait for fruit to ripen to improves the texture and taste of your smoothies. Ripened fruit is more easily assimilated by the body, reducing digestive issues caused by starchy, unripened fruit. * Dice and freeze cucumber to have on hand as a cleansing, nutrient-dense alternative to ice. * Add frozen banana and/or mango to smoothies to make them thick and creamy. * Rinse your blender jug immediately after making a smoothie, this makes it much easier to clean. * Pour left over smoothie mixture into popsicle moulds and freeze for a ready-made healthy treat on a hot day. * Add your liquid last, just before you blend to prevent frozen ingredients from sticking together in chunks. Only fill with liquid to the level of the solid ingredients to ensure it remains thick, adding more will result in a thin smoothie. * If you like oats, add them to your morning smoothie for some extra fibre and protein to help fill you up with the good stuff. * Equipment matters! Unfortunately there is no way around this one. For a super smooth and creamy smoothie, you really need to be using a blender that can handle frozen fruit. In the caravan we used a Vitamix. There are other products on the market that I'm sure are also good, I haven't trialed many others but I hear that MOD are also good. I'm not sponsored by either.
These look delicious, thanks so much for sharing and love the top tips!
My pleasure Izzy! So stoked they are helpful! 🙂