Beet Smoothie
Prep time:
5 - 10 minutes
Prep notes:
I like to gather everything I wish to add before I begin to make sure I don't forget anything (first world problems).
"Cooking Time"
5 - 10 minutes
Yields:
2 servings
Ingredients:
1 medium beet
1 head of kale (the curly variety works best, ie. not Tuscan)
1 inch piece of fresh ginger
2 inches of fresh aloe vera
non-dairy milk
a few enthusiastic dashes of ground turmeric (or a 1 inch piece of the raw root)a few enthusiastic dashes of cinnamon
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon maca root powder
1 tablespoon raw cacao
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen blueberries
4 small chunks of frozen pineapple
Prep time:
5 - 10 minutes
Prep notes:
I like to gather everything I wish to add before I begin to make sure I don't forget anything (first world problems).
"Cooking Time"
5 - 10 minutes
Yields:
2 servings
Ingredients:
1 medium beet
1 head of kale (the curly variety works best, ie. not Tuscan)
1 inch piece of fresh ginger
2 inches of fresh aloe vera
non-dairy milk
a few enthusiastic dashes of ground turmeric (or a 1 inch piece of the raw root)a few enthusiastic dashes of cinnamon
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon maca root powder
1 tablespoon raw cacao
1 frozen banana
1 cup frozen blueberries
4 small chunks of frozen pineapple
Directions:
I LOVE this smoothie!! After making it (or a variation of it based on the contents of our fridge/pantry) for a couple of years, the addition of the beet, inspired by Ellen Jaffe Jones ($4 a Day Vegan and Paleo Vegan fame) has made it even better. I actually do a little jig when I take a sip.
I LOVE this smoothie!! After making it (or a variation of it based on the contents of our fridge/pantry) for a couple of years, the addition of the beet, inspired by Ellen Jaffe Jones ($4 a Day Vegan and Paleo Vegan fame) has made it even better. I actually do a little jig when I take a sip.
I like to layer the ingredients in my beautiful Vitamix (before owning this generous wedding gift, I used a food processor to make my smoothies. Whatever works!)
Tear a few leaves of kale and place in the bottom of your machine. Peel and cut the beet, peel and cut the ginger, and fillet you aloe plant.
I love this quiet time in the kitchen. It can be meditative and peaceful.
Tear a few leaves of kale and place in the bottom of your machine. Peel and cut the beet, peel and cut the ginger, and fillet you aloe plant.
I love this quiet time in the kitchen. It can be meditative and peaceful.
Aloe is a true wonder-plant; just like it cools, calms, and heals the exterior of your skin, it treats your insides!
Add to the blender with the kale. Add in the flax, turmeric, cacoa, and maca. Top with more kale (I add as much as I can, depending on the size of the bunch, I will use it all or have a few branches left to use in a salad, sautee, or another smoothie). Pour your non-dairy milk on top, about 2-3 cups. If you are using a food processor, I recommending blending without fruit first, adding more milk as needed. Next, add in the frozen fruit. For you lucky Vitamix owners, feel free to add the frozen stuff on top of the kale before putting on the lid and hitting "HI" :)
Notes:This is such a wonderful way to start the day. It makes me so happy and energized and is quite satisfying to the tummy. Use what you have on hand. This recipe has evolved a lot since I started putting kale into a food processor 2 or 3 years ago.
Experiementing with smoothies is a lot of fun. They never come out tasting the same! Play with the ratios of veggies, fruits, and spices. I only add the banana in the summer when I've had a good work out, as I try to monitor/manage my sugar intake. You can also try dark tart cherries for added post-workout recovery. In the winter, I use less pineapple and may include a dash of cinnamon for warmth and circulation. Pumpkin seeds are a great way to add in more iron, too. Adjust to your tastes and dietary needs.
I wouldn't recommend making these too far in advance, as they don't stay fresh beyond 24 hours (yay for real food full of enzymes!)
