Fruit Smoothie Recipe
This recipe crafts a refreshing tropical smoothie featuring ripe mango and banana, blended with creamy coconut milk and zesty lime. A unique addition of freshly pounded cardamom and black pepper introduces an unexpected aromatic complexity. It's a quick, vibrant, and healthy drink, perfect for a breakfast boost or a revitalizing snack.
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Citrus Zester (or microplane)
- 1 Mortar and Pestle (for cardamom)
Ingredients
Main
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 ripe mangoes
- zest and juice of 1 lime
- a little lime zest
- 1 banana
- a handful of ice cubes
- 400 ml can coconut milk
- to garnish
- a pinch of cardamom seeds pods and husks removed seeds pounded
Instructions
- Peel and dice the two ripe mangoes, ensuring to remove the pit.
- Peel and slice the banana into manageable pieces.
- Zest one lime carefully, then halve the lime and squeeze out its juice.
- Prepare the cardamom: remove seeds from their pods, discard husks, and finely pound the seeds using a mortar and pestle.
- Combine the diced mango, sliced banana, lime juice, 400ml coconut milk, a handful of ice cubes, the pounded cardamom, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper in a high-speed blender.
- Blend all ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if necessary.
- Taste the smoothie and adjust for sweetness or tartness by adding a little more lime juice if desired.
- Pour the blended smoothie into serving glasses.
- Garnish each serving with a little fresh lime zest for an aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately to enjoy its refreshing qualities.
Notes
Ensure your mangoes are perfectly ripe for optimal sweetness and a creamy texture; underripe mangoes will make the smoothie too tart or fibrous. For an extra thick and cold smoothie without diluting the flavor, freeze the banana slices beforehand. The combination of freshly pounded cardamom and a hint of black pepper provides a sophisticated aromatic depth that elevates this smoothie beyond the ordinary. Always taste and adjust the lime juice at the end to balance the sweetness of the fruit, ensuring a vibrant, refreshing finish. Chilling the coconut milk can also contribute to a colder, more enjoyable beverage.