Kale Banana Smoothie Recipe
Sounds odd but it's oh so good and good for you!
Cordelia Coyle, Nutritionist and Certified Natural Practitioner (and owner of her own practice, Lemon Holistic here in Toronto), offers readers a wonderfully refreshing, uplifting and vitamin-packed Kale Banana Smoothie that’s perfect for sipping on-the-go, for breakfast or anytime of the day when you want a cool, nourishing treat.
I was first introduced to kale from my Bosnian-Croatian in-laws who chop up the leafy, vitamin-rich green into a wonderfully satisfying soup comprised of a stew-like broth, ground beef and an assortment of veggies. I was hooked. I’ve since enjoyed kale at a wonderful organic vegetarian eatery here in Toronto on Hayden Street right off of Yonge called Camros Organic Eatery. Camros offers terrific vegetarian fare that’s 100% organic with a wonderful Persian twist. Their Kale Salad- comprised of green kale, beets, carrots, red onions, oregano, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and Himalayan crystal salt is a knock-out- especially when paired with their must-have quinoa salad!
Now back to Kale and Cordelia’s Smoothie recipe. According to Cordelia, “Kale is a dark leafy green that’s an amazing source of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, protein, calcium and vitamin C. It is a cruciferous vegetable, like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, which has been shown to contribute to reduced cancer risk if eaten several times per week.” It’s also a versatile veggie that can withstand a good steaming, stir-frying or chopping to be added fresh with other vegetables in a hearty salad. I like it with the tahini dressing the Camros folks lovingly prepare- it’s just enough body and flavour to pair with the toothsome green.
Cordelia tells me that one way to get kids (or picky eaters) to get some greens in them is via a Smoothie (if it's blended, they won't know exactly what they're sipping and won't ask if it tastes really good!). Yes, a Smoothie with kale as one of its key ingredients sounds odd, but believe me when I tell you it tastes wonderful and makes you feel even better. Kale Banana Smoothie recipe, courtesy of Cordelia Coyle of Lemon Holistic.
Kale Banana Smoothie:
Put 1 banana, 2 cups chopped kale, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1-2 tbsp flaxseeds (optional) and 1/2 cup brown rice milk into a blender and blend! (I like to add a few ice cubes for summertime refreshment).
It will take a few minutes for everything to puree so be patient. It ends up being a lovely vibrant green colour - very fresh and uplifting!
***Have a favourite Smoothie recipe you’d like to share? Don’t be shy- send it in and I’ll test run it in my home kitchen (and give YOU full kudos of course!).
