| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 105 | 1g | 0.3g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 3g | 4g | 0.05g |
The first time I enjoyed a Cactus Pear Smoothie, my taste buds were instantly teleported back home to sunny California while simultaneously reminding me of my Gujarati heritage. The recipe weaves freshness of the West Coast with a touch of Indian sweetness, and embodies my love for creating Indian-American fusion dishes.
The Magic of Cactus Pear
Central to this smoothie is the humble cactus pear. A Texas staple, it unbelievably manages to grow wild in the arid desert climate. Its flavor, a unique blend of watermelon and bubblegum, meshes wonderfully with fresh bananas and the zing of orange juice. Simultaneously, the Greek yogurt adds a velvety texture and proteins, and the natural sweetener, honey, elevates the harmony of flavors.
Health Benefits and Pairing Suggestions
Not just wonderful in taste, my Cactus Pear Smoothie is an absolute health champion. It’s loaded with fiber, antioxidants from the cactus pears and orange juice, while the bananas bring a dose of potassium. The Greek yogurt is a protein powerhouse and also brings a healthy dose of calcium to the mix. This recipe is perfect for anyone seeking an energy boost or a rejuvenating post-workout snack.
Complementing this smoothie brilliantly would be light, breakfast foods like Avocado toast or a plate of fresh California-style scrambled eggs. Alternatively, for a Gujarati connection, you could pair it with a wheat-based, mildly sweet Fada ni Khichdi, adding an interesting sweet and savory dimension to your meal.
Go ahead and give this Cactus Pear Smoothie a whirl, and embrace a delicious little slice of my Indian-American union in every sip!
What You’ll Need
- 6 large cactus pears
- 2 ripe bananas
- 3 cups of fresh orange juice
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 cup of crushed ice
Method
Step One
Begin by carefully peeling the 6 large cactus pears. Ensure all prickles are removed.
Step Two
Peel the 2 ripe bananas and put them aside.
Step Three
In a blender, add the peeled cactus pears and bananas.
Step Four
Then, pour the 3 cups of fresh orange juice into the blender.
Step Five
Add 1 cup of Greek yogurt to the mixture in the blender.
Step Six
Add 2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness. The amount of honey can be adjusted based on your personal preference.
Step Seven
Add 1 cup of crushed ice into the blender.
Step Eight
Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps in your smoothie.
Step Nine
Once all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and smooth, pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.
