Creamy Dates, Banana, and Garlic Smoothie Recipe

 

Ingredients

Ripe banana

Pitted dates

Fresh garlic clove

Milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)

Plain yogurt or kefir (optional for creaminess)

Ground cinnamon (optional)

Ice cubes (optional for a chilled drink)

Instructions

Begin by selecting a ripe banana, as its natural sweetness will help balance the sharpness of the garlic and enhance the overall flavor.

Soak the pitted dates in warm water for about ten minutes to soften them. This helps them blend more smoothly and evenly with the rest of the ingredients.

Peel a small clove of garlic. If you’re new to using garlic in smoothies, start with half a clove to ease into the taste.

Add the banana, soaked dates, garlic, and your milk of choice into a blender. If using yogurt or kefir, add it now to create a richer, creamier texture.

For added warmth and subtle spice, sprinkle in a little ground cinnamon. This also helps mask the garlic slightly, making the smoothie more palatable.

Blend everything until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no chunks of garlic or date remaining.

Taste and adjust if needed, perhaps adding more banana for sweetness or more milk for a thinner consistency. Serve chilled or over ice if desired.

How to Make

Creating this smoothie starts with quality ingredients. Choose soft, moist dates and a fully ripened banana to ensure the drink has natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Soaking the dates is a crucial step for achieving a smooth texture. Even just a few minutes in warm water makes a significant difference in how easily they blend.

Garlic should be used sparingly, especially for first-timers. Raw garlic is potent, so start small and build your tolerance over time.

Combine everything in a high-speed blender. The stronger the blender, the better it will handle the fibrous dates and garlic.

Adding yogurt or kefir not only boosts the creaminess but also introduces probiotics, making the smoothie even more gut-friendly.

Cinnamon is a great optional addition. It gives the smoothie a warming undertone and helps to round out the more intense flavors.

Once blended, pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for the freshest taste and best nutritional impact.