| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 7g | 4.5g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 45g | 8g | 14g | 0.3g |
There are a myriad of reasons why I have fallen head over heels for the Chocolate Banana Smoothie, but it mostly circles back to two concepts: family and flexibility. Growing up in a family steeped in Italian-American traditions, our togetherness was expressed beautifully through hearty meals. This smoothie, surprisingly, falls in line with those same core values in an entirely different way.
The History and Heart of the Recipe
While the quintessential Italian-American kitchen might not be the first place you’d expect to find a fruit-based smoothie, our dining table was always a space for flavor exploration. The Chocolate Banana Smoothie was invariably my children’s favorite, and now, it’s a recurring delight for my grandchildren. It marries common kitchen staples like ripe bananas, milk, yogurt, raw honey, and cocoa powder, harmoniously creating a drink that makes everyone feel indulged and loved. You’d be surprised how this sweet concoction resembles the classic Affogato, an Italian dessert usually involving a scoop of vanilla gelato drowned in a shot of hot espresso.
Health Benefits and Pairing Options
This smoothie is not just delicious – it’s also packed with health benefits. Bananas, known for their high potassium content, help in maintaining heart health and blood pressure levels. Likewise, Greek yogurt contributes significantly to gut health, while cocoa powder is a great source of antioxidants.
Combine this smoothie with those old-fashioned oatmeal cookies for a wholesome breakfast or enjoy it alongside a Chicken Milanese for an unconventional but refreshing dinner combination.
Flexible for Every Day
In my experience, the best recipes are the ones you can adjust to your liking, and the Chocolate Banana Smoothie is no different. Feel free to play with the ingredient measures and suit your tastes. If you’re vegan, swap out the whole milk for almond milk and the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option. For an extra protein kick, add in a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
So here’s to the Chocolate Banana Smoothie, a recipe celebration of both my past in New Jersey and my present as a food-crazed grandpa. Delightfully versatile, refreshingly healthy, and a nod to my love for food exploration, this recipe is a cherished gem that fits any occasion, taste or dietary preference.
What You’ll Need
- 6 large ripe bananas
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups greek yogurt
- 18 tbsp pure cocoa powder
- 12 tbsp honey
- 6 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups of ice cubes
Method
Step One
Firstly, peel the ripe bananas and put them in a blender.
Step Two
Add 2 1/4 cups of whole milk to the bananas in the blender.
Step Three
Into the blender, put in the 1 1/2 cups of Greek yogurt.
Step Four
Up next, you’ll add the 18 tablespoons of pure cocoa powder to the blender.
Step Five
Time for some sweetness. Pour 12 tablespoons of honey into the blender with your other ingredients.
Step Six
After that, include the 6 teaspoons of vanilla extract to add some flavor to your mix.
Step Seven
To end with, add 3 cups of ice cubes into the blender.
Step Eight
Now that all your ingredients are in the blender, cover it securely. Then, blend the mix until it is smooth and well combined.
Step Nine
Once blended well, pour your chocolate banana smoothie into glasses and serve it chill.
