A little fruit, a splash of milk and a quick whirl in the blender! That’s all it takes to turn a few simple ingredients into something delicious. From a refreshing strawberry and banana smoothie to a creamy chocolate treat, these easy smoothie recipes are perfect for breakfast, a quick lunch or a little afternoon indulgence.
You’ll find simple recipes with just three ingredients, along with plenty of ideas to mix and match your favorite fruits. So, grab your blender, use up those ripe bananas and get creative. Making a delicious smoothie at home has never been easier!
3 ingredients + milk
Add everything to your blender and blend until creamy and smooth. The frozen banana makes it lovely and cold, while the peanut butter gives it that rich, nutty flavour that makes this smoothie surprisingly filling.
Using fully frozen fruits in the blender can result in lumpy smoothies or if very big, damage your blender’s blades.
It is a good idea to thaw the fruit just a little before blending.
For quick and easy smoothies, put your favorite fruit or veg combinations in a zip-lock bag and store in freezer ready for quick use.
Got half a watermelon left after your holiday braai, picnic or beach day? Don’t throw it away! Cut the remaining watermelon into chunks, remove the seeds if necessary, and store it covered in the fridge. It will keep well for a few days, ready to turn into a refreshing smoothie.
Try this:
Blend until smooth. You can add a few ice cubes if you want it extra cold.
Travel tip: This is particularly handy on vacation as the leftovers can become tomorrow morning’s breakfast instead of ending up in the bin.
You don’t need a full kitchen. If you have a small blender, portable rechargeable blender, or even a hand blender, you can make a simple smoothie at your campsite.
The easiest camping combinations are:
Camping tip: Freeze some fruit before you leave. It acts like ice in your smoothie and helps keep the drink cold without needing extra ice.
If you mean literally basic camping tools with no blender, you can still make a rustic version: use a very ripe banana, mash it thoroughly in a mug or bowl, add milk or yoghurt and shake or stir vigorously. It won’t be silky smooth, but it makes a perfectly good camp breakfast.
“Health food stores on the West Coast of the United States began selling smoothies in the 1930s associated with invention of the electric blender. The actual term “smoothie” was being used in recipes and trademarks by the mid-1980s.” – Wikipedia
Ever wondered who is the largest producer of fresh fruit in the world? Check out these ‘animated stats‘ for the answer.
Some health and nutrition experts worldwide suggest consuming liquid food for better digestion, but this is also a fabulous way to up your fruit and veg portions. But do try and make your smoothies healthy by choosing the healthy options.
Smoothies are quick to make and seen as a way of consuming more fruit and veg, however blending the fruit, does expose the natural sugars.
Health experts also advise us to cut back on ‘free sugars’ as it may lead to dental decay, provide excess calories and cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Therefor it is best to enjoy your smoothie as part of a healthy diet, as part of your mealtime, and to to limit the number of glasses you consume.
