| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 22g | 3.5g | 26g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 11g | 6g | 0.01g |
Every sip of the Land Cress and Avocado Smoothie takes me back to the familiar Southern equatorial climate often replicated by my home city of Atlanta. The stinging heat and humidity, the warmth of the people, and the soul food that touches your heart. Drawing inspiration from my own Nigerian lineage and Atlanta roots, my thirst for creating Afro-Southern fusion dishes brought me to create this refreshing and nutritive blend, a balance of spice, warmth, and sweetness – just like my two home cultures.
Roller Coaster of Flavors
The combination of ingredients in this smoothie is like an explosive party of flavors. It is a joyful blend that reminds me of home and also pushes my palate to explore new tastes. It’s a concoction similar to the traditional Nigerian smoothie called Kunnu, a beverage born out of West African culinary genius. Like Kunnu, this recipe hinges on the delicate mix of creamy and sour-spicy flavors.
Here, the firm yet buttery texture of ripe avocados, drenched in the tropical tang of fresh orange and lemon juices, creates a succulent canvas for the ice cubes to chill and fresh land cress to season. The latter, a vegetable plentiful in West Africa, adds a touch of the wilderness. When everything is mixed with unsweetened almond milk and sweetened with honey, we get a smoothie that shines amidst its contemporaries.
Power-packed Nutrition
The Land Cress and Avocado Smoothie is not just pleasure for your taste receptors, it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Crediting to its main ingredient land cress, this smoothie is a wealth of Vitamins A, C, and K. It’s dense in minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. It supports digestion and body immunity. Avocado, another primary component, is rich in healthy fats that help your body absorb other nutrients, as well as fiber and Vitamin E. The citrus juices contain ample Vitamin C, and honey is known to be a healthier substitute for sugar.
This smoothie makes for an ideal breakfast drink, an excellent companion to Southern staples such as the ‘Biscuits and Gravy’ or light Nigerian breakfast fares like ‘Akara’ (bean cakes). Replete with essential nutrients, it’s tailor-made for health-conscious individuals and smoothie lovers looking to embark upon a gastronomic adventure.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of fresh land cress
- 3 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
- 2 cups of fresh orange juice
- 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk
- 3 tablespoons of honey or agave nectar
- 6 cups of ice cubes
- Pinch of sea salt
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the land cress thoroughly under running water. Shake off the excess water and set aside.
Step Two
Next, prepare the avocados. Slice each avocado in half and remove the pit. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh and set it aside.
Step Three
After the avocados are prepared, it’s time to juice your oranges and lemon. Ensure to strain the juices to remove any seeds or pulps.
Step Four
Now, add the land cress, avocados, orange juice, lemon juice, almond milk, honey or agave nectar, and sea salt in a blender. Blend until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Step Five
Finally, add the ice cubes to the blender and blend again until the ice is fully crushed and incorporated into the smoothie. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
