Sweet Pumpkin Green Smoothie Recipe
A Nutritious and Delicious Spinach-Pumpkin Smoothie for a Healthy Start to Your Day
If you’re looking to kick-start your day with a drink that’s both nutritious and energizing, the Sweet Pumpkin Green Smoothie is just what you need. Bursting with the goodness of fresh pumpkin and spinach, this smoothie is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it the perfect breakfast or snack option. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin, combined with the creamy texture of almond milk (or regular milk, if you prefer), creates a smooth, velvety drink that’s satisfying and wholesome. Topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds, this smoothie is not just delicious, but also packed with healthy fats and protein to fuel your day.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kaddu (Parangikai/ Pumpkin) (red) | 1 cup, cut into chunks |
| Spinach (cleaned) | 1 cup |
| Milk (or almond milk) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dates (optional, for sweetness) | 1, pitted and chopped |
| Pumpkin Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 70mg |
| Calcium | 100mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pumpkin:
- Start by cutting the pumpkin (Kaddu or Parangikai) into large chunks with the skin still on. Preheat your oven to 175Β°C (350Β°F).
- Arrange the pumpkin chunks on a baking sheet and place them in the oven. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pumpkin becomes tender and soft. The roasting time may vary depending on the size of the pumpkin chunks, so check periodically to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Store the cooled pumpkin in your fridge for later use. This roasted pumpkin can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great ingredient to have on hand for smoothies and other recipes.
-
Blend the Smoothie:
- Once the pumpkin has cooled, scoop out about 1 cup of the roasted pumpkin flesh from the skin. Place it in a blender along with 1 cup of fresh spinach, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder (Dalchini), and your choice of milk (1-1/2 cups). If you’re using dates for natural sweetness, add 1 pitted date to the blender.
- Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. The texture should be velvety and thick, but you can add a little more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
-
Serve:
- Pour the smoothie into glasses, and top with 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds for a crunchy finish. These seeds not only add texture but also provide a good source of healthy fats and protein.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and nutritious smoothie as part of your breakfast or as a mid-morning snack.
Tips for a Perfect Smoothie:
- Pumpkin Variations: If you canβt find red pumpkin, feel free to use any variety of pumpkin available to you, such as butternut or kabocha squash.
- Sweetness Level: The natural sweetness of the roasted pumpkin should be enough to sweeten the smoothie, but if you prefer a sweeter drink, you can adjust with a little honey or maple syrup. Dates are also a great natural sweetener.
- Vegan Option: To keep this smoothie completely vegan, simply use almond milk or any other plant-based milk of your choice.
Serving Suggestions:
This Sweet Pumpkin Green Smoothie pairs wonderfully with Akuri (Indian-style scrambled eggs) and Toast for a balanced breakfast that will keep you energized throughout the morning. The combination of protein from the eggs, fiber from the spinach and pumpkin, and healthy fats from the pumpkin seeds makes this meal both nutritious and satisfying.
Enjoy your delicious, nutritious, and satisfying Sweet Pumpkin Green Smoothie, a perfect blend of fall flavors and healthy ingredients!
