📝 About This Recipe
This nutrient-dense smoothie celebrates the incredible versatility of hemp hearts, offering a creamy, buttery texture and a distinctively nutty profile. Inspired by modern plant-based wellness trends, it balances the earthy richness of raw seeds with the vibrant acidity of wild forest berries and a hint of tropical creaminess. It is a powerhouse of Omega fatty acids and complete proteins, designed to provide sustained energy while delighting the palate with its velvety finish.
🥗 Ingredients
The Creamy Base
- 1.5 cups Unsweetened Almond Milk (chilled)
- 1/4 cup Full-fat Coconut Milk (canned, for extra silkiness)
- 1 large Frozen Banana (peeled and sliced before freezing)
The Power Seeds
- 1/2 cup Raw Shelled Hemp Hearts (high quality, fresh)
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds (white or black)
- 1 teaspoon Flax Seeds (ground)
Fruit & Flavor Boosters
- 1 cup Frozen Blueberries (wild varieties preferred)
- 1 piece Medjool Date (pitted and soaked in warm water for 5 minutes)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (alcohol-free if preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Ceylon variety for sweetness)
- 1/2 inch Fresh Ginger (peeled and finely grated)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (to enhance the nutty flavors)
For Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Hemp Hearts (for sprinkling)
- 2 sprigs Fresh Mint Leaves (for a pop of color)
- 1/2 teaspoon Bee Pollen (optional, for floral notes)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by prepping your blender jar; ensure it is clean and the blades are sharp for the smoothest consistency.
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2
Pour the chilled almond milk and the thick coconut milk into the base of the blender. Adding liquids first prevents the powders and seeds from sticking to the bottom.
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3
Add the pitted Medjool date. If the date feels firm, ensure it has been soaked in hot water to soften the fibers for a seamless blend.
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4
Measure out the 1/2 cup of hemp hearts and add them to the liquid. These will act as the primary emulsifier, creating a milk-like richness.
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5
Incorporate the chia seeds and ground flax seeds. These provide structural body to the smoothie as they hydrate.
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6
Add the frozen banana slices. Using frozen fruit instead of ice ensures a concentrated flavor that isn't watered down.
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7
Toss in the frozen blueberries. Notice the deep purple hue they provide as they sit atop the white base.
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8
Add the grated ginger, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and the pinch of sea salt. The salt is the 'secret chef ingredient' that makes the nuttiness of the hemp pop.
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9
Secure the lid tightly and start the blender on the lowest speed setting.
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10
Gradually increase the speed to high. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until the mixture looks completely homogenous and velvety.
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11
Stop the blender and check the consistency. If it is too thick, add a splash more almond milk; if too thin, add two more frozen banana slices and blend again.
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12
Pour the smoothie into two chilled tall glasses, allowing the thick liquid to settle.
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13
Garnish the top with a generous sprinkle of raw hemp hearts, a few fresh blueberries, and a sprig of mint.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use frozen fruit rather than ice cubes to maintain a creamy, undiluted texture. Hemp seeds can go rancid quickly due to their high oil content; store them in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them tasting sweet and nutty. If you find the hemp flavor too earthy, double the vanilla extract or add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the profile. For an even smoother result, pre-blend the hemp hearts and almond milk alone for 30 seconds before adding the other ingredients. To make this a meal replacement, add a scoop of neutral-flavored pea protein powder.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a side of toasted sourdough topped with almond butter and sliced strawberries. Serve in a chilled glass alongside a warm cup of green tea for a balanced breakfast. Pour into a bowl and top with granola and cacao nibs to transform it into a 'Smoothie Bowl'. Enjoy as a post-workout recovery drink within 30 minutes of exercise. Serve with a small plate of dried apricots and walnuts for a textural contrast.