| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 290 | 3.5g | 1.8g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 36g | 6.8g | 12g | 0.2g |
There’s a certain tranquility and connection that comes from preparing a dish from the heart, and that’s one of the reasons why I love the Kukas Smoothie. This delectable, vegetable-based recipe brings together a medley of fresh, vibrant ingredients reminiscent of the brilliant colors and rich soulfulness of Nigerian markets and Southern summer gardens in Atlanta, where I grew up.
The Origin of Kukas Smoothie
Borrowing from the bright, fresh flavors of my Afro-Southern roots, the Kukas Smoothie delivers a blend of succulent strawberries, tropical kiwis and robust bananas, enlivened with a dash of natural sweetness from honey. Just like the energy in the bustling markets of Nigeria and the warm hospitality in Atlanta’s social gatherings, this smoothie leaves a lingering taste of happiness and nourishment.
A Healthy Masterpiece
Beyond its rich, vibrant taste, the Kukas Smoothie stands out for its wealth of health benefits too. It’s packed full of vitamins from the fresh fruit, fiber to keep your digestive system healthy, and an impressive assortment of antioxidants thanks to the blueberries. The Greek yogurt adds a lovely creamy texture, all while providing protein and probiotics to promote gut health. 7 Proven Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt. The almond milk, in turn, is a wonderful dairy-free alternative, ideal for those with lactose intolerance.
This smoothie pays homage to my love for fusion, combining elements of classic fruit drinks while innovating with an Afro-Southern twist. In this light, the Kukas smoothie reminds me of popular African beverages like the zobo drink or Chapman but with an added spin.
The Kukas Smoothie can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing breakfast or snack, but it takes on a new dimension when paired with food. I often enjoy it alongside Southern staples like a serving of warm buttermilk biscuits or chicken and waffles, introducing a balance of sweetness and heartiness. For a vibrant West African pairing, try sipping on this smoothie with a plate of jollof rice and baked chicken, or grilled suya skewers.
What You’ll Need
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups of fresh strawberries
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 2 large kiwis
- 1 cup of fresh orange juice
- 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups of Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 cup of ice cubes
Method
Step One
Start by peeling and slicing the 3 ripe bananas and 2 large kiwis. Wash the 2 cups of fresh strawberries and 1 cup of blueberries before use.
Step Two
Place all the sliced fruits into a large blender: the bananas, kiwis, strawberries, and blueberries.
Step Three
Pour in your 1 cup of fresh orange juice into the blender along with the fruits. The acidity of orange juice will help to balance the sweetness of the fruits.
Step Four
Add the 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk. This will provide a creamy texture to your smoothie.
Step Five
Next, add in the 2 cups of Greek yogurt. This not only adds creaminess but also a portion of your daily-needed protein.
Step Six
At this point, add in the 2 tablespoons of honey. This is to taste, so if you prefer a less sweet smoothie, feel free to cut back on the honey.
Step Seven
Add 1 cup of ice cubes to give your smoothie a refreshing chill.
Step Eight
Finally, it’s time to blend. Blend on high until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly and the desired consistency is achieved. This should take about a minute, depending on your blender.
Step Nine
Pour your smooth Kukas Smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.
