Sweet Pumpkin Green Smoothie Recipe
Description:
Green smoothies are often packed with fruits, which, while delicious, can sometimes add more sugar than we intend to consume in one meal. If you’re seeking a way to enjoy the creaminess and health benefits of a green smoothie without the excess sugar from fruits, this Sweet Pumpkin Green Smoothie is the perfect alternative! By using roasted pumpkin as the base, you’ll achieve a naturally sweet, smooth, and creamy texture. With a touch of cinnamon and a few other simple ingredients, this smoothie is a nutritious, guilt-free way to start your day. Plus, it’s easy to prepare—just bake the pumpkin the night before and blend everything together in the morning.
Cuisine:
Continental
Course:
Snack
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaddu (Parangikai / Pumpkin) | 1 cup (red pumpkin, cut into chunks, baked) |
| Spinach | 1 cup (cleaned) |
| Milk or Almond Milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dates | 1 (optional, for added sweetness) |
| Pumpkin Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
60 minutes (for baking pumpkin)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pumpkin: Begin by cutting the pumpkin (kaddu or parangikai) into large chunks, leaving the skin on. Place the pumpkin pieces onto a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the pumpkin is soft and easily pierced with a fork. Once baked, let the pumpkin cool completely, then scoop out the flesh and store it in the fridge for later use.
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Blend the Smoothie: When you’re ready to make your smoothie, scoop 1 cup of the baked pumpkin chunks into a blender. Add the cleaned spinach, cinnamon powder, and milk (or almond milk) to the blender. If you like your smoothie sweeter, add 1 date (or more, depending on your sweetness preference).
-
Blend until Smooth: Blend everything together until you achieve a creamy, smooth consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired texture.
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Serve and Garnish: Pour the smoothie into a glass and top with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds for a crunchy finish.
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Enjoy: Serve your Sweet Pumpkin Green Smoothie as a wholesome breakfast, and pair it with Akuri (scrambled spiced eggs) and Toast for a balanced and nutritious meal.
Tips:
- Prep Ahead: Baking the pumpkin the night before makes this smoothie a quick breakfast option for busy mornings.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or fewer dates based on your taste preference.
- Vegan Option: Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a vegan version of this smoothie.
Enjoy this nutritious, creamy, and naturally sweet smoothie as a delicious way to start your day with minimal sugar and maximum flavor!
