Introduction
The concept of breakfast smoothies has roots in the health food movement of the 1960s and 70s, but it wasn't until the 1990s that they truly gained mainstream popularity. This Ginger Sunrise Smoothie takes inspiration from traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where ginger has been used for thousands of years to aid digestion and boost immunity. By combining this ancient wisdom with modern nutrition science, we've created a breakfast that's not just delicious, but also supports overall wellness. Whether you're rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely morning, this smoothie offers a convenient way to nourish your body with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables.
Ingredients
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
• 1 medium ripe banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
• 1/2 medium apple, cored and chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat recommended)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon raw honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 cup ice cubes
Step 1:
Wash and dry the spinach leaves, peel and slice the banana, core and chop the apple, and peel and grate the ginger.
Step 2:
Add spinach, banana, frozen mixed berries, chopped apple, Greek yogurt, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, chia seeds, and ice cubes to the high-speed blender.
Step 3:
Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.
Step 4:
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more honey or maple syrup.
Step 5:
Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Q: Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
A: While it's best consumed immediately, you can prepare it the night before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake well before drinking.
Q: How can I make this smoothie vegan?
A: Replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Q: Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh berries, but you may need to add more ice to achieve a chilled smoothie.
• For a vegan option, replace Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt and honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Frozen banana can be used instead of fresh for a creamier texture.
• Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey or maple syrup.
• For a protein boost, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
• Fresh berries can be used instead of frozen, but you may need to add more ice for a chilled smoothie.
• This recipe contains dairy (Greek yogurt) and may contain traces of nuts (almond milk). Use caution if you have allergies.
• Choose organic produce when possible, especially for spinach and berries, to minimize pesticide exposure.
Pour the smoothie into tall glasses and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of chia seeds or a few fresh berries.
Best consumed immediately. If necessary, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking.
Prepare all ingredients before starting to blend for a quick and efficient process.
- For a creamier texture, use frozen banana instead of fresh.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more almond milk if too thick, or more ice if too thin.
- Layer ingredients in the blender with liquids at the bottom for easier blending.
For a tropical twist, replace the apple with 1/2 cup of fresh pineapple chunks and use coconut milk instead of almond milk.
Serve with a slice of whole grain toast spread with almond butter for a complete breakfast.
This smoothie can be enjoyed year-round, but it's especially refreshing in spring and summer.
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt) and may contain traces of nuts (almond milk). Use caution if you have allergies to these ingredients.