It takes a bit of time to master the art of smoothie making, but since I make smoothies almost every day with our farm produce, I may someday get there! They’re nutritious, quick and easy to make, and they can make things like Kale and Chard a bit more enjoyable and sweet (in my opinion of course!). Since I like to make smoothies using several different combinations of greens and fruit, I wanted to offer a few of my favorites. I usually use soy milk since it seems to have the highest amount of vitamins, minerals, and protein amongst all the non-dairy milks, though cashew and almond milk work well in its place.
If you love blended strawberries, I suggest buying a few quart size packs at the supermarket (unless you have saved some already, which I highly doubt!) and freezing them. First lay as many berries as possible that will fit onto a baking tray, and freeze for 4 -5 hours. After berries have frozen, store them in a plastic bag in the freezer. This prevents berries from clumping and sticking together since they were able to first freeze separately from each other. Strawberries frozen this way should last several months, and can be thrown into smoothies directly without thawing.
In the recipes below I say 2 – 3 cups worth of soy milk since I adjust the amount depending on how thick, or watered down I wish them to turn out. The more Kale I use for example, the more milk. Simply throw all of the below mentioned ingredients into your blender, and blend according to specified times.
Strawberry and Kale
- 4 frozen strawberries
- 2 cups kale
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 – 3 cups soy milk
Blend on medium speed for about 45 seconds, or until creamy consistency
Banana, Strawberry, Greens
- 1/2 of one large banana
- 3 medium-sized frozen strawberries
- 1 cup kale or swiss chard
- 1 – 2 tbsp honey depending on desired sweetness
- 2 – 3 cups soy milk
Blend on medium speed for a half-minute, then high until desired consistency is reached. I like the greens to be well processed so I blend this one for about 1 full minute
Avocado, Banana, Kale
- 1/3 of pulp from one avocado
- 1/2 of one banana
- 1 cup kale
- 1 tbsp sugar, or 2 tbsp honey
- 2.5 cups soy milk
Blend on medium speed for half a minute, or untill desired consistency reached. This one is a personal favorite!
Strawberries and Kale with Soy
Finished product. Yum