Nourish the Budding Lotus

Tropical Cilantro Smoothie

Mom I know you are probably making some faces right now…maybe a few sounds affects too.  Something to the sentiment of “yuck!” or “eww!”  But keep reading, because I think you are going to like this.

You see, my mother hates cilantro.  She says it tastes like soap in her mouth, and I know she is not alone.  There is definitely a contingency out there that has this adverse reaction to the taste of cilantro.  But, dear Mom, after living in the Southwest for over a year, the taste has definitely grown on me.  Basil still rules my heart, but cilantro has become a very good friend.  A happy accoutrement to my salads, burritos, and even smoothies!

We just picked up the last of the cilantro from the Farmer’s Market this morning, and I have to say, I am going to miss it.  Of course I will still be able to get it from the grocery stores, but seeing that beautiful herb gracing the booths of the Santa Fe Farmer’s Market, and brushing my hand along the leaves to breathe in a touch of the herbal goodness is a totally different experience.  I wanted to share this delicious smoothie recipe with you before I transition to my cooler weather beverages completely…like Warm Chia Nog, Coconut Hot Chocolate, and Greensicle Smoothie.

For those of you who are ready to discard this recipe for the mere fact that there is cilantro in it…stick around.  The rest of the ingredients are delicious too, and if you want to try it out omitting the cilantro, that is totally acceptable!  But don’t miss out on the richness of swiss chard, the creaminess of avocado, and the sweet mango chunks!  Try it out and let me know what you think!

Mom, I expect a full report!

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Tropical Cilantro Smoothie

1.5 c Mango Passionfruit 100% Juice Blend (from Trader Joe’s)
1/2 c water
1 c (loosly packed) raw swiss chard, chopped
2 T cilantro, chopped
1/2 banana
1/4 avocado
5 chunks of chopped mango (fresh or frozen)

In a blender pour 1 cup of the mango juice with the chopped cilantro and swiss chard.  Blend on high until the green leaves are blended to a liquid.  (Depending on your blender quality there could still be some little pieces, but it should be mostly blended.)

Turn off blender and add the banana, avocado and mango.  Cover and blend again on high.

Once all the smoothie starts to thicken add the last 1/2 cup of juice and 1/2 cup of water to thin the beverage. Blend one last time to incorporate.

Enjoy!

Note:  If you don’t have Trader Joe’s available to you, try another mango juice blend from your local grocer.  It is 100% juice, but not concentrate mango which could be too rich.

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