How to make a smoothie? Tricks, secrets and tips!

Smoothies are good and healthy drinks based on fruit, vegetables and milk, also in a plant-based version. If we think that they are drinks to be consumed only in summer, we will have to think again. In fact, smoothies and shakes are full of vitamins and minerals that we can take in a delicious way at any time, a gift of well-being that we give to our health with seasonal vegetables.

There is no healthier and tastier drink than a fruit and vegetable smoothie , to which we can add milk or yogurt, even vegan ones. In fact, there are three basic ingredients of this healthy drink, namely vegetables, a liquid base and ice. But nothing stops us from adding cocoa, spices and chopped hazelnuts to make it even more inviting.

However, if we are wondering what the differences are with extracts and milkshakes, it is possible that we have some doubts about the ingredients that compose them. It should be remembered that the terms are often used synonymously, but in fact they are not the same type of drink.

A distinction must also be made between smoothie and milkshake, which in our country are considered the same thing, but not in English-speaking countries: the smoothie is in fact more similar to a milkshake, while in the second there is no ice. And yet different, as mentioned, is the milkshake, which has ice cream as its base and we often also find syrups and cream.

On the scale, the lightest version from a caloric point of view is the fruit and vegetable extract, which instead includes only vegetables and no additions. But smoothies can also be slimming, as long as you choose recipes that are not too heavy and prefer low-fat milk.

Homemade smoothie: the guide

The ideal smoothie is one that tickles the taste buds, but also respects the minimal list of ingredients, with a few clever additions. We start with the choice of seasonal fruit and vegetables , preferable to greenhouse ones. But we continue with the liquid base, which can be fruit juice, milk or yogurt, or water.

Usually you don’t opt ​​for this option if the vegetables chosen already have a high percentage of water in them, or you run the risk of the drink being too slow. The smoothie must in fact be creamy, which is why we also tend to prefer yogurt over milk.

Fruit

You can use fresh fruit cut into pieces and without the peel and seeds, but you can also opt for frozen fruit, which can replace ice. But to avoid watering down the smoothie too much, it is better to choose less watery fruits. Bananas , apricots and strawberries are great for cutting and freezing

Vegetables

If we want a fruit and vegetable smoothie we shouldn’t opt ​​for vegetables with invasive flavors, or we run the risk of drinking an unpleasant drink. Celery, carrots, beets and fennel have a neutral and fresh flavor and can be eaten raw, an aspect that should not be underestimated.

Aromatic herbs

A fresh and pungent touch to our smoothie can be given thanks to aromatic herbs: mint and basil are excellent for shakes and smoothies. But let’s not underestimate tarragon , which gives a herbaceous scent but also a flavor that turns delicately bitter. Let’s not overdo it, but let’s dose it with elegance.

The creamy part

Yogurt is one of the most popular choices for those who want to give the smoothie a consistency similar to that of a dessert, rather than a drink. But it should be remembered that creamy yogurts are also fatter. If we want to replace them, dense fruits, such as avocados and bananas, can help us. Or we can instead opt for a low-fat ricotta.

The liquid base

Citrus juice or a fruit extract can make our smoothie even richer in aromatic nuances, but also in well-being. If not, cow’s or sheep’s milk, soy, rice or oat vegetable drinks can be a good solution. And if we want a tropical scent, coconut water is what we need.

How to make smoothie

To make a smoothie, the ingredients should be added little by little to the blender or mixer, taking care to remove seeds and peels before blending them. But we also try to add them little at a time, so that the blades can chop them. Usually the liquid part, which must be poured until it covers at least 2/3 of the mixture, helps the blades work.

It should be remembered that ice or frozen fruit must be placed before the other ingredients and pulsed with a suitable blender. At a later time we can add the rest and blend at medium speed, until the mixture is of the right consistency.

And now all that remains is to pour the smoothie into the glass and decorate with chopped dried fruit , desiccated coconut or mint leaves, or with a sprinkling of cinnamon and other spices. Our health drink is ready to be consumed for a healthy and tasty mid-morning or afternoon break.