Described by the United States government as “the most popular fresh fruit in the US” bananas are a good source of potassium, carbohydrates and fibre making them an excellent fruit to use in a smoothie. Why not try one of these delicious smoothie recipes that make the most of both fresh and dried bananas?
The dried banana smoothie recipe makes the most of dehydrated banana pieces which can be bought from all good health food shops. The banana and strawberry smoothie recipe uses a fresh banana which should be as ripe as possible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients. Try using soya milk and soy yoghurt instead of dairy milk and yoghurt and experiment with different types of honey in both recipes.
The easiest way to get crushed ice is to take some ice cubes out of the freezer, leave them at room temperature for five to ten minutes then pop them in a polythene bag, seal it, wrap it up in a tea-towel and then bash the with a meat tenderiser or rolling pin.
Dried Banana Smoothie
This smoothie is best made with bananas that have been dried in the sun or a dehydrator rather than the deep-fried banana chip variety. Try and choose those which have the least amount of added sugar or honey and which have been grown organically wherever possible.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 4 fl oz milk (full-fat, semi-skimmed or skimmed as appropriate)
- 4 fl oz natural yoghurt
- 4 oz crushed ice
- 2 oz dried banana pieces
- Vanilla essence to taste
Method:
- Put the banana pieces, milk and yoghurt into a blender and whizz up until the banana pieces have integrated with the rest of the ingredients
- Add a few drops of vanilla essence to taste
- Add the crushed ice and whizz again until the ice is almost completely blended in
- Serve immediately
Banana and Strawberry Smoothie
This smoothie pairs the vitamin C rich strawberries with a banana to make an excellent, refreshing, as well as nourishing, drink which is ideal to take for breakfast on a hot summer’s morning. For a thinner version try using milk instead of the natural yoghurt. For a slightly different tasting smoothie, try using fresh raspberries rather than strawberries.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 10 medium-sized strawberries
- 4 oz natural yoghurt
- 4 oz crushed ice
- 1 large ripe banana
- Honey to taste
Method:
- Hull, wash and roughly chop the strawberries
- Peel and roughly chop the banana
- Put all the ingredients apart from the honey into a blender and whizz until smooth
- Add honey to taste, whizz again and serve immediately
Elaine Findlay - An expert cook, Findlay's passion for food is evidenced by the size of her kitchen and her library of old recipe books
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