It is not usual for me to publish the same type of recipe within a week however I received so much response to my Green Smoothie (A Beginner’s Journey) post earlier this week I just had to share another delicious recipe.
Before doing so I will add comment to say I physically feel completely different within the short time I’ve been starting my day with green smoothies. As background I did not start out to feel differently, or to feel anything at all, I was merely experimenting to see if blending smoothies might be a manner to get more fruits and vegetables into my family’s diet. And the Christmas Vitamix blender gift wasn’t even my idea.
As with most new toys, I can’t spend enough time concocting new mixtures. I’m going heavy on the vegies, really using the fruits only for some slight sweetening. I’m not adding anything other than filtered water trying to be a purist for the time being. I’m still shocked with each new sip that the dense green liquid doesn’t taste horrible; but it doesn’t! Quite the opposite as a matter of fact. Somehow when blended together the ingredients form a symphonic delivery of healthy lusciousness without you even realizing it. I feel lighter, brighter, my appetite has changed, I’m sure I’m getting more water too. After blending the smoothies which can be rather thick I add fresh filtered water to the blender, blend it and then drink that water; like a smoothie ‘light’, it has become a great way to keep up on hydration too.
One of the main responses I have received is with regard to my 10 year old son riding in my smoothie side car whipping up his own recipes. I was asked to please share some, I think hoping his ideas might resonate with other kids. As background my son has an inquisitive palate but not one that I’d say rockets passed other tots his age (though he was the first, much to my surprise, on a Costa Rican hiking expedition that stepped up to taste live termites the guide produced from a tree claiming them to both be a dense source of protein in the wild and to taste like peanuts).
The smoothie I’m sharing today is his creation start to finish. With free access to the refrigerator and no boundaries the first ingredient he selected was Ginger. Though a fantastic choice (ginger is great for anti-inflammatory effects, anti-nausea, boosting the immune system and more) the bright flavor was not one I’d imagine he’d think to use. He layered on with kale, spinach, arugula, parsley, and enough citrus to ensure no drinkers will come down with Scurvy in the near future. The end result is fantastic! The ginger provides a little zing, though not overpowering, and the fruits and vegetables blend to produce a vibrant healthful smoothie that is on the top of my list as a current favorite.
Try these Smoothie Recipes too!
The Green Zinger Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ inch fresh ginger nib (aproximately 1 teaspoon), peeled (and chopped if using a regular blender)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Juice of half a lime
- 1-2 large leaves of kale (no stem); rough chopped if using a regular blender
- ½-3/4 cup spinach/arugula mix
- 2-3 tablespoons parsley (fresh)
- 1 orange (peeled)
- ½ Granny Smith apple
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Pour the water and citrus juices into the blender followed by the other ingredients.
- Blend until all ingredients are pulverized and the smoothie mixture is smooth.
Nina says
A great way to start the day!
Jodee Weiland says
Toni, I love the ingredients in this smoothie. This looks so refreshing and delicious! It looks really healthy as well. Thanks for sharing!
Toni Dash says
I’m so glad Jodee! It is just what the doctor ordered for me today having been saturated with sweets this week it seems!
Jodee Weiland says
Toni, this looks great! I love the choice of ingredients and the subsequent health benefits. By the way, I love my Vitamix! You won’t believe all the wonderful things you can do with this one piece of equipment. Once again, this looks not only healthy but delicious as well. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Toni Dash says
I must admit Jodee I need to read the manual and watch the DVD! I tend to dive headlong into the ‘doing’ and not read up. I actually just made a soup that could not have been easier with the soup setting. I really feel schooled by this blender having felt blenders are really only useful for a few tasks. This one seems to do almost everything except clean the kitchen!
Debra says
Kudos to the son! We had some kale-ginger smoothies last week that were delicious. Will have to try his creation!
Toni Dash says
I’ve decided Debra that Kale is the most smoothie-friendly green in that you really don’t taste it, do you? I’ve over done it with other greens and am determined not to make smoothies I have to choke down in the name of health. I think kale as been a staple in every smoothie we’ve made so far.
Gina Muller says
I love this recipe! Ginger is so great this time of year to boost the immune system and help treat minor illness. I love that your child concocted this. I am hopeful I can get my kids on the same train. Always looking for ways to get veggies in to the kids diet. Thanks!
Toni Dash says
Every time he makes a smoothie (which is now daily) he starts with ginger. It prompts me to remember to add it myself in mine! We are on the same train with getting more veg into the kids diets. Ironically ‘smoothie man’ has historically been a bit more reluctant on some fronts but this has propelled him into the optimum zone for daily serving consumption!