When you're feeling a little worse for wear, there truly is nothing a good green smoothie can't fix. I know that it's quite literally an urban myth that drinking the juice of some squished up greens will magically replenish your tired body (and probably repent your sins, according to anybody I know who drinks alcohol). However, it never hurts to get a few extra vitamins and minerals into your diet!
This smoothie is particularly convincing because of its virtuous appearance, mimicking earth and leaves - yes, this was intentional. I was a little skeptical about the combination of sour kiwifruit and creamy cacao, but it ended up providing a lovely contrast both visually and in terms of taste. The chia pudding on the bottom makes it a lot more filling than simply fruit and water, although if you're after a light snack, simply make the top half and it'll taste just as good. I would insert the health benefits of these foods here, but I am most certainly unqualified to make these claims. Just know that the vitamin C content is good.
INGREDIENTS
SPICED CACAO CHIA PUDDING
3/4 cup of water
1/4 cup of white chia seeds
2 tablespoons of black bean powder (optional)
1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder
GREEN SMOOTHIE
1 banana, peeled
1 pear, cored and sliced
1/2 a kiwifruit, peeled
1 tablespoon of nut butter
Handful of baby spinach
1/4 cup of water
TOPPINGS
Crushed and sliced kiwifruit
METHOD
- In a bowl, whisk together the water, white chia seeds, and black bean powder. Set aside for at least five minutes to allow for thickening.
- In a blender or food processor, place the banana, pear, kiwifruit, nut butter, and baby spinach. Pulse until they begin to break down into a smooth paste, then as the blender is still going, pour in the water.
- Take your chia seed pudding and stir in the cacao powder, then scoop into a glass or jar. Take a slice of kiwifruit and press it against the side of the glass, then pour the green smoothie on top. Adorn with crushed kiwifruit, and serve immediately!