Alternative green smoothies: sweet potato and almond (banana free!), and banana, mango and kale

I've been getting through a lot of green smoothies recently. In fact, I've started day dreaming about a blender for my workplace, so I can whip one up for my at-work breakfasts, or as a mid-afternoon snack, or an addition to lunch...or any time at all really. Sadly, I don't think that's on the cards, but I'm making the most of weekends and the weekdays I'm home in time to squeeze one in before dinner!

Sweet potato and almond green smoothie

The only problem (which isn't really a problem) I have with green smoothies is that my standard favourite - spinach, frozen banana, pineapple - gives me just 1 serve of vegetables but 2 serves of fruit. As I mentioned in my 2014 aspirations post, I'm trying to bump up my vegetable intake this year to get over the recommended 5 serves a day. In contrast, I already get plenty of fruit in my diet and at this time of year, eat lots (lots!) of fresh summer fruit. If I have my standard green smoothie, I can easily be up to 5 fruit serves before dinner. I don't really mind this, but the truth is, I don't need my fruit serves in smoothie form.

Given this, I've been playing around with fruit-free green smoothies and sweet potato has come to the rescue yet again. Is there anything sweet potato can't do?!

As I'm still in favour of fruit too, I'm also posting a new-to-me mix of banana, mango and kale today. I've had banana, mango and spinach before, but I actually think kale works better with the sweetness of the mango. 

Banana, mango and kale green smoothie.
Mango really makes it bright!

For those of you without high powered blenders, the sweet potato smoothie can also be made in a regular / low-powered blender. I tried it that way and it leaves the spinach slightly 'bitsy' (see picture above), but it works well enough. I remember how frustrated I was at being unable to process frozen banana or kale before I bought my food processor, so I like being able to share easy processing recipes too.

Sweet potato and almond green smoothie

This smoothie can be entirely fruit free - but is still sweet and creamy.

Can be made in a low-powered blender.

Vegan.

Serves 1.

Print recipe

Ingredients

~3/4 cup sweet potato pieces, cooked and cooled to fridge temperature (roughly 1/3 large sweet potato)

1 cup spinach leaves

Few drops stevia or 1-2 dates or 1 tbsp maple syrup / agave

1 tbsp almond butter

~3/4 cup almond milk (mine was unsweetened)

~3/4 cup cold water

Method

In a blender or food processor, blend the sweet potato, spinach and dates if using. Add the other ingredients and blend to combine.

Banana, mango and kale green smoothie

Packing fruit and kale, this is a beautiful drink for summer days...and winter days when you wish it was summer.

Requires a high-powered blender or food processor.

Vegan.

Serves 1.

Print recipe

Ingredients

1 medium banana, frozen

1/2 medium mango, chilled or frozen (frozen will give a creamier result and require more liquid)

1 cup kale, stems removed

1/2 cup milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond)

1/2 - 1 cup cold water (depending on desired thickness; I used ~3/4 cup)

Method

Process the banana, mango and kale in a high-powered blender or food processor (I used my food processor), until well combined and smooth.

If using a blender, add all of the liquid to the processed fruit and then blend to mix. If using a food processor, add the liquid gradually with the food processor running (this will prevent splashing out the sides!).

Linked to the Weekend Wholefood Blender Party (previously Smoothie of the Week) on Om Nom Ally
and Ricki's Wellness Weekend.

What is your favourite smoothie mix? And do you have vegetable-only ideas for me (with the constraint that I don't like cucumber...)?

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