Green Smoothies offer many health benefits. Especially when consumed on a a daily basis. Smoothies are also a great way to use up over ripe fruits & veggies so they are not wasted. It took me several years of trying green smoothies made by friends to finally find a recipe I liked. Now that I have the basics down for making the Green Smoothie taste great, I can be a lot more creative with the veggies & fruits I include. Since friends & family are constantly asking me to write this recipe down, I've decided to share it with all of you. If you have a favorite smoothie recipe (green or otherwise) please share it (or your link) in the comments below! Follow us for more great food & smoothie ideas:
I know, they're drinking from plastic cups. But I have since repented. :)Tamara’s Green Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1/4 to 1/2 blender full of Almond, Soy, Rice, or Coconut Milk (Cow & Goat milk or Yogurt could be used as well)
- Blender full of Spinach or Chard (Other greens such as Kale may be used but produce a stronger "green" taste.)
- 1-2 Carrots chopped (Many kinds of veggies can be added depending on the smoothie. I use carrots in ALL my smoothies however.)
- 3 - 4 tablespoons frozen organic juice concentrate such as: orange, pineapple, or some citrus mix. (Fresh Juice may be used as well)
- 1 whole lemon peeled or 1 whole orange peeled
- Water for blending purposes & only necessary if you use juice form concentrate.
- Frozen fruit: bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, mango, or whatever fruit you have on hand.
** The First 5-6 ingredients are the base. The Greens & Carrots are there to provide minerals, vitamins, protein, fiber, etc. The citrus from the organic juice, lemon and orange are there to hide the "green" taste, add fiber and vitamin C. The milks are there to cut down the acidity of the citrus, and add protein.
Directions:
- Blend liquids & spinach until smooth.
- Add carrots & other veggies and blend until smooth.
- Add frozen fruit and blend until smooth.
- Drink.
Some things to consider:
- *I've found Frozen Blueberries and Bananas to be the best ingredients for achieving that perfect smoothie consistency.
- *Use as little water as possible
- *Never use ice! Use frozen fruits instead. (The ice just waters everything down)
- *To make a "purple" green smoothie - add more berries, particularly blueberries. I also like to use a touch of cranberry juice to achieve the purple look. Purple can be important if you have a child who won't drink "green!"
