Quinoa is a complete protein, making it a great addition to the this refreshing strawberry smoothie.
Chef's notes
This recipe will not work the same if you use a regular powered blender. A high-powered blender is needed to create a smooth and silky texture.
Steps
1
Making the Smoothie
Ingredients
1/2 cup cooked plain quinoa
1 cup strawberries (preferably fresh)
1 cup coconut or almond milk
1/2 to 1 cup ice cubes
2 tsp sweetener* (if needed)
pinch of sea salt
To prepare the smoothie, place everything into a high-powered blender and blend until very smooth. If you are using frozen strawberries, you may need to add a bit more liquid.
*Note: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may want to add 1 or 2 dates or another sweetener, such as agave.
If you are using frozen strawberries, you may need to add a bit more liquid.
I made this today and added two pitted, halved dates in a high speed blender. It liquified well except for the date pieces. When you add dates do they liquify too? I haven't made date paste yet and think that is the next step and have some on hand for recipes like this one. I used medjool dates that seemed moist enough unlike the deglet types.
How long would you need to soak dates if used here?
Hi Bonnie- Next time, just soak the dates in very hot water for 30-60 minutes before blending (or overnight in cold water). That will soften them right up enough to liquify in the blender.
Even without soaking, the dates should become rather smooth - so maybe you need to blend for just a bit longer. ~Ken
I made this smoothie this morning and it tasted amazing. I didn't have almond milk, so I just added 1/4 cup of almonds to 1 cup of water and blended that for at krast one minute before adding the other ingredients. Most of the time I don't have time to use a nut milk bag and I don't mind the texture of the smoothie when I blend de nuts with the water. I think it still gets pretty smooth because I use a Vitamix. I also used frozen strawberries, so I added a touch of water. A really great smoothie that I'll use over and over again!
Naoua -Thank you for your comments, they prescient you taking the time to share how you make this recipe. I fully agree that using a high-speed blender is useful in this task, since it does create a smooth consistency in the smoothie. ~Ken
Hi Aaron, Short answer... Strawberries are delicious! That being said, lots of fruits are delicious, have fun playing around with whatever substitution suits you. Just remember, you may need to adjust the liquid content depending on the fruit of choice. Cheers, Sandy
Dawn T •I am not familiar with exactly how the Magic Bullet performs, but I'm sure it would likely work. Cheers!
Ken R • Rouxbe Staff •In my experience it may not be strong enough to completely liquify the quinoa. But it will certainly puree and make it pretty smooth. Enjoy!
Bonnie D •I made this today and added two pitted, halved dates in a high speed blender. It liquified well except for the date pieces. When you add dates do they liquify too? I haven't made date paste yet and think that is the next step and have some on hand for recipes like this one. I used medjool dates that seemed moist enough unlike the deglet types. How long would you need to soak dates if used here?
Naouar E •Would this smoothie be perfect for drinking after a workout? Does it have the same effect as drinking a smoothie with added protein powder?
Aaron M •Any particular reason why strawberries are used in this recipe? I imagine other combinations of fruit would also be delicious.
Sandy S •Hi Aaron, Short answer... Strawberries are delicious! That being said, lots of fruits are delicious, have fun playing around with whatever substitution suits you. Just remember, you may need to adjust the liquid content depending on the fruit of choice. Cheers, Sandy