Seriously, what’s not to love about a smoothie? It’s thick, creamy, ultra-nutritious, it has loads of fiber, it’s so easy to make and it has flavors that make your taste buds tingle!
Now we all know what a smoothie is, so I’m not getting into that. But do you know when smoothies were born? Officially attributed to Julius Freed, who, in 1926 created a drink with orange juice, sweetener, milk, powdered egg whites and vanilla flavoring, and ice. Apparently, he owned an orange juice stand called Orange Julius. But guess what? Indians and other communities from West and South Asia have been drinking sherbets for centuries, blending them with yogurt and honey as well. Indians also relished Mango Lassi – yup, a smoothie alright – long before the 1920s. Even the South Americans were one of the earliest to enjoy their pureed fruit-based drinks, which they called slush.
What made smoothies immensely popular was the invention of blenders in the 1930s, and their appearance thereafter in almost every home. Suddenly, it was so easy to whip up a delicious, healthy smoothie in a matter of seconds. The name “smoothie” originated in 1973, when Steve Kuhnau founded the first Smoothie King in Louisiana, USA. Steve was one of the first to experiment by adding ingredients such as yogurt, protein powder, and vitamins to his smoothies. As his Smoothie Bars expanded, the term “smoothie” became a household word.
More recently, with the increased interest in diets and exercise, the smoothie has been upgraded to a meal supplement, a meal replacement, a power drink, or a dessert and has many, many thousands of completely devoted followers. Today, smoothies of all flavors and ingredients are available just about everywhere you look!
A Glassful of Health
Besides being super easy to make, smoothies are rich in dietary fiber, packed with vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants, easy to digest, and detoxifying. They also prevent dehydration, boost immunity, and depending on the ingredients improve complexion, boost brain power, control mood swings, fight depression, increase calcium levels, check growth of carcinogens, improve bone health, control blood sugar, prevent heart disorders, and regulate hormones!
There are all kinds of smoothies – green smoothies, protein smoothies, fruit and nut smoothies, etc. if you have a purpose – depending on the result you want to achieve for your body. But if, like me, you have no greater purpose than drinking a glass of unadulterated joy, then here are 10 recipes you should try out, just for the sheer pleasure of it! Just adjust the quantity of the ingredients to suit your taste.
10 ‘Oh So Seductive’ Smoothie
Sassy Spicy Smoothie
Frozen ripe bananas+ ripe avocado+ cocoa powder+ mild chilli powder+ cardamom powder+ coconut water+ vanilla extract+ dates.
Pear(ed) With Kale
Frozen ripe banana+ pear+ ginger+ kale+ almond milk+ honey+ vanilla extract.
Perky Papaya
Ripe papaya+ juice and zest of lemon+ chia seeds+ yoghurt+ almond milk+ fresh mint. Pinch of chilli optional.
Strawberry Love
Fresh strawberries+ lemon grass+ lettuce+ ground flaxseeds+ water.
Apple Licious
Apple+ basil leaves+ vanilla bean+ almond milk+ lemon juice.
Mango Madness
Orange juice+ coconut yoghurt+ frozen mango+ carrot. Epigamia coconut yogurt is easily available in most supermarkets in India.
Greenie Goodness
Cucumber (skin on) +frozen pineapple+ frozen banana+ light coconut milk+ juice and zest of lemon+ spinach+ water.
Wake Me Up
Frozen ripe banana+ strongly brewed coffee, chilled+ any milk+ rolled oats+ nut butter+ ice
Pink Passion
Frozen cherries+ pomegranate juice+ honey+ lemon juice+ plain yoghurt+ cinnamon powder+ salt+ ice
Mint Jalapeno Blast
Fresh mint leaves+ seeded jalapeno pepper+ honey+ salt+ plain yoghurt+ ice. Garnish with toasted cumin seeds+ coriander leaves.
The great thing about smoothies is that you can easily substitute yogurt for coconut milk, plain milk, almond milk, or any other nut milk, soya milk, or coconut water. Instead of dates, you can sweeten with stevia, muscovado sugar, or honey. If you have not planned ahead, grab what’s in the kitchen – smoothies are ever so forgiving!
Got some fabulous recipes of your own? Do share it with us! The smoothie world is constantly evolving and die-hard smoothie fans just love to try out new recipes!
Always have fun folks!
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A homeschooled chef even before she joined Catering College in Bombay, Christine’s gastronomic journey started with mother and grandmother. Polished with a degree and 10 years of experience in the Hospitality industry, Christine’s love of food, drink and everything gastronomic has been sharpened and honed with travel across the world. Today, she shares the wealth of her foodie experience and adventures across the world with Travel and Food Network, so look forward to much more from Chrsitine!
