Description
This banana turmeric smoothie combines creamy banana with anti-inflammatory spices for a golden smoothie that tastes like chai and fights inflammation. Black pepper enhances turmeric absorption by 2000 percent!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (frozen for thicker smoothie)
- 1 Tbsp almond butter (or peanut/cashew butter)
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger (or small knob fresh)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk)
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
- Pinch of black pepper (essential for absorption)
- 1 Tbsp flaxseed or chia seeds (optional)
- Ice cubes if using fresh banana
Instructions
1. Add all ingredients to blender starting with almond milk at bottom. This helps blender blades move freely and blend everything smoothly.
2. Add banana chunks (frozen or fresh), almond butter, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, maple syrup if using, and essential pinch of black pepper.
3. Blend on high speed for full 60 seconds. Turmeric and ginger need time to fully incorporate. Stop and scrape down sides if needed to catch any spice clumps.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level. Add more maple syrup for sweeter smoothie, more turmeric for earthier flavor, or more cinnamon for warmth.
5. Pour into glass and serve immediately. Smoothie may settle slightly – just give it quick stir before drinking if it sits for few minutes. Optional: sprinkle top with extra cinnamon or drizzle of nut butter.
Notes
Important: Black pepper is essential! It increases turmeric absorption by up to 2000%. Don’t skip it – you won’t taste it but you’ll get the benefits.
Storage: Best served immediately. Can refrigerate in covered container for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking.
Variations: Use frozen mango instead of banana for tropical version. Add scoop of vanilla protein powder for post-workout recovery. Gently warm for golden milk-style drink.
Pro Tips: Wear gloves when handling fresh turmeric to avoid yellow stains. Rinse blender immediately after making. Use only ½ tsp turmeric – more makes it bitter.
When to Drink: Best on empty stomach first thing in the morning for maximum anti-inflammatory benefits. Or enjoy within 30 minutes after workout for optimal recovery.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg