Banana Ginger Lemon Smoothie

Banana Ginger Lemon Smoothie

This smoothie is refreshing, zesty, and packed with flavor and nutrients. The combination of sweet banana, spicy ginger, and tangy lemon creates a unique and delicious drink.

Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced (you can use frozen banana for a thicker, colder smoothie)
• 1/2 to 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 1-2 tablespoons, adjust to your tang preference)
• 1/2 cup liquid (water, coconut water, almond milk, or your preferred milk)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (if you prefer it sweeter)
• Optional: A few ice cubes (if not using frozen banana)
• Garnish: A fresh mint leaf or a thin lemon slice

Equipment:

• Blender

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Peel and slice your banana. If using a fresh banana, you might want to add a few ice cubes later. If you want a colder, thicker smoothie, freeze your banana slices for at least 2 hours prior.
   • Peel the fresh ginger. A spoon works well for scraping off the skin. Roughly chop it.
   • Cut your lemon in half and juice one half.

2. Combine in Blender:

   • Add the sliced banana (fresh or frozen) to your blender.
   • Add the chopped ginger.
   • Pour in the fresh lemon juice.
   • Add your chosen liquid (water, coconut water, or milk).
   • If using, add honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
   • If not using frozen banana, add a few ice cubes now for a colder smoothie.

3. Blend Until Smooth:

   • Secure the lid on your blender.
   • Start blending on a low speed, gradually increasing to high.
   • Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no large chunks of ginger remaining. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula a few times to ensure everything is incorporated.

4. Adjust Consistency and Taste:

   • If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more liquid (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
   • Taste the smoothie. If you want more ginger flavor, add a tiny bit more chopped ginger and blend. If you want it tangier, add a bit more lemon juice. If it’s not sweet enough, add more honey or maple syrup.

5. Serve:

   • Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
   • Garnish with a fresh mint leaf or a thin lemon slice, as shown in the image.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• For a creamier smoothie: Use almond milk or another plant-based milk instead of water.
• Boost the nutrition: Add a handful of spinach (you won’t taste it much with the strong flavors of banana, ginger, and lemon), a tablespoon of chia seeds, or a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
• Adjust sweetness: The ripeness of your banana will affect the sweetness. If your banana isn’t very ripe, you might want to add more sweetener.
• Ginger intensity: Start with a smaller piece of ginger and add more to taste if you’re not sure how much you like.
• Storage: This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but the flavor and consistency may change slightly.