My brother Mike inspired this recipe, which was initially based on a joke. He loves spicy foods and said I should throw a jalapeño from the garden into a smoothie. We did it—and we liked it! The punch of the jalapeño is subdued by the creaminess of the avocado and the freshness of the mint.
Makes: 1 serving
Serving size: 1 smoothie
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: none
INGREDIENTS
1 cup baby spinach
1 sprig of mint
1⁄4 avocado
2 whole pitted dates
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 tsp chopped jalapeño
1⁄2 tsp pure vanilla extract
dash of freshly squeezed lime juice
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
DIRECTIONS
1 In a blender on high speed, blend the spinach, mint, avocado, and dates until smooth.
2 Add the coconut milk in 1⁄4 cup increments, continuing to blend on high speed until smooth.
3 Add the jalapeño in 1⁄4 teaspoon increments, continuing to blend on high speed until smooth.
4 Add the vanilla, lime juice, protein powder, and as many ice cubes as desired. Continue to blend on high speed until smooth.
5 Pour the mixture into a chilled glass and serve immediately.
Be careful with the amount of jalapeño you use because not all peppers have the same spiciness.
per serving