How to Make a Smoothie

Smoothies are among the most popular drinks that can be nutritious as well. You can choose from a wide range of ingredients and come up with tasty smoothies. All you need is a blender (mixer/food processor) and the required ingredients as per the recipes. It is very easy to prepare recipes, if you know the right methods.

Smoothie Ingredients

As mentioned above, smoothies can be prepared with a wide range of fruits and vegetables, along with ice and a liquid base. As whole fruits are used for making smoothies, you have to choose a liquid base that gels with the flavor of the fruit. The most commonly used bases are water, fruit juice, sorbets, milk, soy milk, coconut milk, yogurt, ice cream and rice milk. Even water can be used in some types of smoothies. As far as the fruits and vegetables are concerned, you can go for the soft ones. It can be fresh, frozen or canned. If you are using frozen versions, then, it will be better to avoid use of ice.

Sweeteners are also used in smoothies. This include sugar, honey, maple syrup and agave nectar. You may also add seasonings like nutmeg and cinnamon. Some of the smoothies can be added with wheat germ powder, protein powder, oats and bran. Some people use a small amount of vodka or other such drinks, for smoothies meant for adults. Now, you know more about smoothie ingredients used for making smoothies.

How to Make a Smoothie

You have to start with the main ingredient of a smoothie, i.e. vegetables or fruits. If you are using fruits, the most appropriate ones are peaches, strawberries, bananas, kiwi and pomegranate. Baby beets, dandelions, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, avocados, etc. are good for making smoothies. Start with cleaning, peeling (if required) and cutting the fruits/vegetables into small pieces. Pour the liquid base to the blender jar and add the fruit/vegetable pieces. Run the blender, till it gets a smooth consistency. If the mixture is very thick, you can add more liquid base and in case of a thin mixture, add more fruit or vegetable. You may add crushed ice cubes, during the blending process. Once the blending is done, add the sweetener/seasoning, stir well and serve. There are many different smoothie recipes, that you can try.

Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

Strawberry is one of the most commonly used fruits for making smoothies. Strawberry banana smoothie is very popular among the different types of smoothies. In order to prepare this smoothie, you need two cups of fresh strawberries, two bananas, one cup plain yogurt, one cup milk and sugar. Blend cleaned strawberries with bananas (peeled and cubed), milk, yogurt and sugar (required amounts) to make the smoothie. Ice can also be added, while blending.

Now, you know how to make a strawberry banana smoothie. You may also try making smoothies with other fruits and vegetables in different combinations. Carrot is one of the popular vegetables for this purpose. You can prepare a delicious carrot smoothie by blending two cups of carroty juice, along with half cup of apple juice, one banana and six ounces of frozen yogurt (plain or vanilla). You may also replace banana with baby carrots and half of a peeled lime for a different flavor.

The above said tips can be of much help, for making smoothies at home. So, try to make different types of smoothies using different ingredients.