It’s been a while since I’ve participated in Sunday Supper, and I’m excited to be back! In case you’re new to my blog, Sunday Supper is a group of bloggers from all over the world, who have joined together to help bring back Sunday Supper around the dinner table, in every home.
And this week’s theme, hosted by Tammi from Momma’s Meals, is all about beans.
And sure, you’re probably thinking, OK, you’re playing it easy, making a recipe using cacao beans. And that would be true, but that’s not all that’s in this fiber-filled, protein-packed (and super healthy) smoothie.
This baby’s got garbanzo beans. Yes, you read that right. Garbanzo beans, which are also called chickpeas.
A few weeks ago, I bought Melissa d’Arabian’s cookbook Supermarket Healthy. And as I read her smoothie recipe, I did a double-take when I read one of the ingredients- white beans. At first it sounded a bit odd (OK, a lot odd). But then I realized just how brilliant, and healthy, and heck, I’m always looking for ways to add more fiber to my diet. So, I decided to try it in one of my favorite smoothies, but with garbanzo beans, instead.
Garbanzo beans offer 2.4 grams of protein per tablespoon, and when mixed with my favorite fruits- strawberries and banana, the combination can’t be beat. You don’t even taste them, just like how you don’t taste the spinach, which is another sneaky way to ramp up the nutrition. And don’t forget the coconut water, which is especially good after a workout, as it’s praised as being “nature’s gatorade.”
Add in a touch of vanilla and honey for some sweetness. And raw cacao powder, which brings it all together with a decadent richness. Cacao powder is not your ordinary chocolate, but this superfood raw version is full of healthful benefits, having even more antioxidants than red wine, green tea, or blueberries.
Strawberry Coco-Cacoa Bean Green Smoothie
1 c. coconut water
1 c. frozen strawberries
1 frozen banana
1/2 c. fresh baby spinach
2 Tblsp. canned garbanzo beans, rinsed
1 Tblsp. raw cacao powder
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla
1 tsp. organic honey
Pinch of salt (I use Himalayan Pink Salt)
Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender. Garnish with cacao powder and unsweetened coconut flakes if desired, and serve.
Makes one large or small smoothies. Great for breakfast, after a workout or snack.
Source: dandeliongreensblog.com (defunct blog)
