Mango and Banana Smoothie

Mango and Banana Smoothie

This recipe makes a delicious, creamy, and refreshing smoothie, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert.

Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla works best; Greek yogurt will make it thicker)
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond, soy, or oat milk)
• Optional:
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (if you prefer it sweeter)
  • A pinch of cardamom powder (for an extra tropical flavor)
  • A few ice cubes (if your fruit isn’t frozen or you prefer a colder smoothie)
  • Whipped cream or a few extra mango chunks for garnish

Equipment:

• Blender
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Drinking glass

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruit:

   • Peel the mango and carefully dice it into small chunks.
   • Peel the banana and slice it into rounds.
   • Tip: For a colder and thicker smoothie, you can freeze the mango chunks and banana slices beforehand.

2. Add ingredients to the blender:

   • Place the sliced banana into your blender.
   • Add the diced mango.
   • Spoon in the yogurt.
   • Pour in the milk.
   • If using, add honey/maple syrup, cardamom, and ice cubes at this stage.

3. Blend until smooth:

   • Secure the lid on your blender.
   • Start blending on a low speed and gradually increase to high.
   • Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no fruit chunks remaining. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

4. Taste and adjust:

   • Taste the smoothie. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more honey or maple syrup and blend again briefly.

5. Serve:

   • Pour the freshly blended smoothie into a tall glass.
   • Garnish with a few extra mango chunks or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Smoothie:

• Ripe Fruit is Key: Ensure your mango and banana are ripe for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Frozen Fruit: Using frozen fruit (mango, banana, or both) eliminates the need for ice and makes the smoothie much thicker and colder.
• Adjust Consistency: If your smoothie is too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more frozen fruit or a couple of ice cubes.
• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an extra nutritional boost.
• Other Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like chia seeds, flax seeds, spinach (you won’t taste it!), or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.