Remember how I mentioned that I like using spices in smoothies? You don’t remember? Well, I said so right here in my Spinach Cardamom Smoothie post… Anyway, I think I may have taken it to another level with this mango chai smoothie. This sweet smoothie recipe basically has more spice than it does fruit. I made this drink using mango, a ripe banana, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and (almond) milk. I like using spices in smoothies because of the flavor and complexity it provides. I mean, anyone can make a mango smoothie, but make a mango cardamom smoothie or a mango ginger smoothie and suddenly, you know the drink will be special.
I like using these spices not just for flavor but also for health. Cardamom is one of my favorite spices to use in both savory and sweet recipes. As an added bonus, cardamom is supposed to help with digestive issues. I also use turmeric as often as I can due to its healing properties; it has a rep for being anti-inflammatory. You don’t have to add it to this smoothie, but even using just a pinch will help give your smoothie some color. Ginger… oh man, I’d eat ginger even if it was bad for me (thankfully it’s not… it helps with various stomach issues). I love it. I usually use around half an inch in this smoothie but you can use more or less. After you make this smoothie, make my Masala Chai with your leftover ginger – it’s so good.
Try this mango smoothie for something different and fun and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 heaping cup frozen organic mango chunks
- 5 cardamom pods freshly ground (or one big pinch of cardamom powder)
- ½ inch fresh ginger grated
- 1.5 cups milk of choice I like almond
- 1 frozen ripe banana
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Ahngie says
Made this for my ballet dancer teens. They loved it. FYI if you peel and freeze bananas when they are super rip (“cheetah spotted”) they are super sweet and also add the cold frozen component to the smoothie.
Manpreet says
Hey there
I made your mango chai smoothie today and it was absolutely delicious.
My Heart Beets says
Hi Manpreet, thanks for letting me know how it turned out! Glad you liked it 🙂
Aimee says
Wow! This is seriously amazing!