Carrot Banana Smoothie

Carrot Banana Smoothie

This vibrant and nutritious smoothie is packed with vitamins from carrots and natural sweetness and creaminess from bananas. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your vegetables and fruits!

Yields: 1-2 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Blend time: 1-2 minutes

Ingredients:

• Carrots: 1-2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and roughly chopped (about 1 cup chopped)
• Banana: 1 ripe banana, fresh or frozen (see notes below on freezing bananas)
• Liquid: 1/2 to 1 cup liquid of choice (e.g., water, almond milk, oat milk, orange juice, coconut water)
• Optional Add-ins (for extra nutrition/flavor):
  • 1/2 inch knob fresh ginger, peeled (adds a zesty kick)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds (for fiber and omega-3s)
  • 1/2 cup ice cubes (if using fresh banana and want a colder smoothie)
  • A squeeze of lemon or orange juice (brightens the flavor)
  • 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)

Equipment:

• Blender (high-speed recommended for smooth consistency with carrots)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Vegetable peeler (for carrots)
• Cutting board
• Knife

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carrots: Wash, peel, and roughly chop the carrots into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces. Smaller pieces will blend more easily, especially if you don’t have a high-speed blender.
2. Prepare the Banana:
   • If using fresh banana: Simply peel and break or slice into a few pieces.
   • If using frozen banana: Take a frozen banana out of the freezer. Frozen bananas make the smoothie thicker and colder without needing ice.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped carrots, banana (fresh or frozen), and 1/2 cup of your chosen liquid into your blender.
4. Add Optional Ingredients (if using): Toss in any desired add-ins like ginger, spices, seeds, or protein powder now.
5. Blend: Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on a low speed, then gradually increase to high. Blend until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of carrot. This may take 1-2 minutes, depending on your blender. You might need to use the tamper if your blender has one, or stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula.
6. Adjust Consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, add more liquid (1/4 cup at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a few ice cubes (if using fresh banana) or a tablespoon of chia seeds and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
7. Taste and Serve: Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness if desired (though the banana and carrots usually provide enough natural sweetness). Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips & Notes:

• For a thicker smoothie: Use frozen banana and less liquid, or add ice.
• For a thinner smoothie: Add more liquid.
• Sweetness: Riper bananas will yield a sweeter smoothie. If your carrots aren’t very sweet, or if you prefer a sweeter smoothie, you can add a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or a pitted date.
• High-Speed Blender: A high-speed blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec) will yield the smoothest carrot smoothie. If you have a less powerful blender, ensure your carrots are chopped very finely and blend for a longer duration, pausing if necessary to allow the motor to cool. Soaking the chopped carrots in a little water for 10-15 minutes before blending can also help soften them.

How to Freeze Bananas for Smoothies (as shown in the image):

Freezing bananas is a fantastic way to prevent waste, keep your smoothies cold and creamy without diluting the flavor, and always have them on hand for quick blends.

What you’ll need:

• Ripe or overripe bananas (the riper they are, the sweeter they’ll be)
• Parchment paper or wax paper
• Baking sheet or plate
• Freezer-safe bag or container

Instructions:

1. Peel Bananas: Peel the bananas. You don’t want to freeze them with the peel on, as it becomes very difficult to remove later.
2. Slice or Break into Chunks: Slice the peeled bananas into 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick rounds, or break them into 2-3 larger chunks. Slicing them makes them easier to portion and blend.
3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Arrange the banana slices/chunks in a single layer on a baking sheet or large plate lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together as they freeze initially.
4. Flash Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the banana pieces are solid.
5. Transfer to Storage: Once frozen solid, transfer the individual banana pieces from the baking sheet into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date.
6. Store: Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you need them for a smoothie, just grab the desired amount straight from the bag!

Enjoy your homemade Carrot Banana Smoothie!