Since receiving my new Ninja blender, I’ve been in smoothie heaven. In fact, we’ve now deemed Sundays (at least Sundays in the summer) as Smoothie Days. I’ve found that designating days with certain “themes” gives my kids anticipatory excitement that gets them invested in the food theme. In fact, it’s amazing how simple french toast, or even a mere bowl of cereal can take on a totally different persona when it’s served at Breakfast for Dinner nights on Wednesday nights. Same goes for smoothies.
My kids have happily slurped Pomegranate Smoothies which are bursting with spinach. They chugged Blueberry Banana Smoothies with a nice teaspoonful of flaxseed, and today we concocted a Banana Basil smoothie for conspicuous consumption.
Remember, the beauty to smoothies is that they’re fluid, literally and figuratively. You can invent and taste test as you go along. Need to clean out your fridge? Make a smoothie. Got over-ripe bananas and don’t have enough time to make Judy’s amazing Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf? Make a smoothie. Have veggies you need to get rid of? Make a smoothie.
For today’s smoothie, I decided to combine bananas and a bowl of wilting basil that was sitting on my counter top.
Captive Bananas
Basil leaves
While we usually don’t think about using herbs in smoothies (except for mint as a garnish), it’s the perfect way to get them into our diet. And, how can we deny basil’s many health benefits. It’s known to have antioxidants that protect the body from premature aging and age-related problems and even types of cancer. Basil contains the flavonoids orientin and vicenin, which are plant pigments that block your cell structures from oxygen and radiation damage. Basil can help with constipation, stomach cramps and indigestion. It can also be used to give relief from the common cold, flu, asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections. But, if you’re still squeamish about tasting basil, I’ve found that the banana’s flavor will dominate any smoothie.
Smoothies are so easy to make so you really don’t have any excuses (except if you don’t have a good blender— then you should click here). Seriously my friends, all you have to do is throw the bananas, basil, honey, milk and ice into your blender and mix away! In just 2 minutes, you’ll have a very satisfying, healthy drink that is perfect for breakfast, midday or for a post work out refuel.
Refreshing, frothy, tasty
Of course my kids gave our frothy drink two thumbs up.
However, my husband said the smoothie tasted too much like veggie. Obviously, I’ve still got my work cut out for me. Basil, a veggie?
Banana Basil Smoothie
makes 2 8 oz. glasses
Ingredients:
- 2 bananas
- 10 Basil leaves (the fresh the better)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup 1% milk
- 1/4 cup ice
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in your blender and blend until thoroughly mixed. Approximately 2 minutes.
- Refrigerate left over smoothie and drink within 24 hours.
this sounds delish, I do a knockoff on a Giada recipe basil/yogurt/lemon zest. You loving the ninja?
I am looking smooties now, especially as the weather is picking up near me….adding Basil will give me a new smoothie sensation
Oh my goodness, I love bananas and just got on sale yesterday. I love Basil too but never thought to put them together. I am gonna try this recipe this afternoon. It’s hot and this sounds refreshing.
Well I have all the ingredients on hand, I should really give this a try, sounds delicious.
I just love this combination of the Basil and Banana for a Smoothie, yum, I can’t wait to try this. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and come back soon!
Miz Helen
haha aren’t men funny, thanks for the recepe it made my morning! i tried with almond milk and its a delight.
I make a similar to serve with Indian food – 1 c milk, 1 c yogurt, 2 banana, 1 c ice, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 c basil leaves, packed. Blend together until smooth.