Strawberry Swirl Smoothie

Something Sweet

Jan 30

Probitocs, prebiotics, protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals are everything you’ll sip in this decadent and oh so pretty Smoothie to enjoy as a meal replacement for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or as a boost in between meals. This mesmerizing swirly, cloudy Smoothie is made with three layers; a frozen Strawberry Puree, a Whipped Yogurt and a Strawberry Banana Smoothie. The layers are whipped, blitzed and assembled in no time leaving space for a little creativity on your end. I love the combination of Strawberry and Rose, so a splash of Rosewater and a sprinkle of Rose Petals make my heart sing. More than anything, I love fueling our bodies with foods that are supportive and beneficial, and as much as this looks and feels like a dessert, it’s really a superfood concoction of whole food ingredients from mother nature that support every cell in our bodies from our heads to our toes. It’s my hope that this recipe feeds your soul as well as your tummies.

The technicalities:

Strawberries, as well and honey and bananas, are prebiotic foods which feed beneficial gut bacteria promoting digestive and immune health. This beautiful fruit which grows from the center of a flower is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, Potassium, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins. Strawberries are also heart protective and are a good source of fiber.

Raw Honey is rich in antioxidants namely, phenolic compounds and flavonoids which protect our cells from free radicals. This miracle gift of the bees contains enzymes that support our immune system as well as antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Greek Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics supporting gut and overall health. This nutrient dense powerhouse is a high protein food, helping build and repair muscles. Boasting high levels of calcium, Yogurt supports our bones and teeth; as well as Vitamin D, Potassium and Phosphorus. Greek yogurt's high probiotic content can also increase our bodies tryptophan levels, which in turn increase serotonin, the happy hormone.

Avocados are rich in soluble fiber which feed our beneficial gut bacteria. Rich monounsaturated fats this superfood helps us maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Avocados are a good source of Potassium which helps regulate blood pressure. They contain lutein and zeaxanthin which are antioxidants that help protect our eyes from damage caused by blue light exposure. They also benefit from brain protective antioxidants as well as choline which support cognitive function and memory. They’re a good source of Vitamins C, E and K as well as folate (essential in pregnancy) and copper (which aids in Iron absorption).

Bananas are a prebiotic, high fiber food that help nourish our gut flora. They are rich in potassium, as well as magnesium and vitamin B6 which are essential for regulating various systems in our bodies. For example, Vitamin B6 helps transfer carbohydrates into energy. Bananas are a source of tryptophan, an amino acid that boosts serotonin production, which helps support mood. They’re a good source of Vitamins C and D, as well as folate and antioxidants.

A2 Milk comes from brown jersey cows and contains only the A2 beta-casein protein which is easier to digest. A2 milk is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals, helping support a healthy immune system, as well as muscle growth and bone health. This nutrient dense food has been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut and improve athletic performance.

Organic Ingredients: Makes 3 x 12oz Smoothies

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

1 Cup Frozen Strawberries
2 Cups A2 or Almond Milk
3 Small Bananas or 2 Large ones
1 Avocado
1 Tbsp. Raw Honey

Whipped Yogurt

1 Cup Greek Yogurt
1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Tbsp. Raw Honey
1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract, optional
1 Tsp. Rosewater, optional

Strawberry Puree

2 Cups Frozen Strawberries
3/4 Cup Water
1 Tbsp. Raw Honey
Tsp. Dried Rose Petals for decoration, optional

Notes:

Make the Strawberry Puree last, so that it stays frozen
If you don’t want to take the time to make a whipped yogurt, season Greek Yogurt or Cultured Coconut (vegan) in a bowl with a little honey, vanilla extract and/or rose water. Hand whisk until well combined
Cocojune and Harmless Harvest are good ones I’ve tried.

Method:

To make Strawberry Smoothie, combine ingredients in a blender and blitz until smooth.

To make Whipped Yourt, combine ingredients in a bowl and whisk with an electric whisk on high speed for 5 minutes. Start off slow for the first 30 seconds then move to high speed.

To make Strawberry Puree, combine ingredients in a blender and blitz until smooth.

Once you have your three Smoothie layers, you can experiment as to how to compile your Smoothies. I’ve made a reel showcasing the different methods.

Method 1: Start with a 1 inch layer of Strawberry Puree. Next, paint the sides of your glass with the Whipped Yogurt using whatever you have on hand (I use the bottom of a spoon that is 1/2 inch thick). Paint streaks up the glass starting from the the Puree all the way to the top. Next, pour in your Smoothie. Using a spoon, stir the Smoothie while the layers mingle to create a beautiful swirly, cloudy, effect on the outside on the glass. Finish by adding a spoonful of Whipped Yoghurt on top. Sprinkle a pinch of dried Rose Petals. If you don’t have that, add a little more Strawberry Puree and stir a little into the Whipped Yogurt. Insert straws and enjoy!

Method 2: Start with a layer of Whipped Yogurt. Paint the sides of your glass with the Whipped Yogurt starting from the puree all the way up to the top. Next Pour in your Strawberry Puree, and then Smoothie. Store and finish as above.

Method 3: Start with a layer of Whipped Yogurt, followed by Strawberry Puree and then Smoothie. Using a straw, ‘grab’ the Yogurt from the bottom layer and paint the sides of the glass from bottom up. Stir and finish as above.

In this reel, I’m showcasing all three methods. Experiment and enjoy!