Carrot Beet Smoothie


With only one week until Christmas, I feel as if I should be posting a recipe for a Christmas cookie, or at least a cinnamon coffee cake to serve to out-of-town guests.  Instead, I've been experimenting with vegetable-fruit smoothies.  I've been putting lots of crazy things in my smoothies, but beets make this one the prettiest. 

The smoothie is a great way to use up some winter veggies in the fridge, and it's the perfect drink to sip in the morning when you're on your way to work.  I usually pair this drink with a steam-fried egg on toast for a filling breakfast.



Carrot Beet Smoothie (1-2 servings)
3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks*
1 medium beet, peeled and cut into quarters*
1/2 medium banana, broken into 2-3 pieces (frozen or not)
1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (Fage is my favorite)
Juice of one small tangerine or half of a larger orange
1/3 cup plain unsweetened almond or soymilk, or low-fat organic milk
1/2 Tablespoon almond or cashew butter
Pinch of cinnamon
3-4 ice cubes (plus more for serving)
Cold filtered water as needed

*Depending on the strength of your blender, you may want to cook the carrots and beets (or use leftovers) before adding them to the blender.  I use raw vegetables, but you may need to experiment with your own blender or put a Vitamix on your Christmas list this year.

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend for about one minute on high, or until the mixture is smooth.  Add cold water as needed until you get to your desired consistency (I usually add a splash or two).

Serve cold, over ice if you like.
Nutrition facts for one serving, assuming you get one total serving, made with plain unsweetened almond milk:

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 521 g
Amount Per Serving
Calories 
236
Calories from Fat 
16
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 
1.8g
3%
Trans Fat 
0.0g
Cholesterol 
0mg
0%
Sodium 
283mg
12%
Total Carbohydrates 
48.6g
16%
Dietary Fiber 
9.0g
36%
Sugars 
30.0g
Protein 
10.1g
Vitamin A 618%Vitamin C 68%
Calcium 22%Iron 9%



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