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This sh*t is bananas, B.A.N.A.N.A.S! New York City is freezing cold right now. I haven’t left the house in nearly 48 hours, and I don’t want to leave any time soon. Not with that cold wind whipping around out there. Oh no! I was born in the south, and made for the tropics. I’d be happy living in a land of continual heat, humidity, and sunshine. I’d even settle for a rainy season over the bleak cold typical of the northeast. For now, I’ll take the warm flavor of cardamom in this banana cardamom smoothie.
Last winter I took a trip down to Costa Rica to spend time with my friend who was teaching yoga in the jungle. Though I had spent a lot time in Costa Rica before, I had never been there during our winter. I could have kissed the ground when I stepped out of the airport. The air was warm, the trees were green, and the sky was blue. It was as though I was visiting another universe!
I wish I could have stayed in Costa Rica forever.
Instead of crying when it’s cold and grey outside I’ve begun to transport myself to warmer locales by making tropical inspired recipes. Lately my favorite tropical teleportation treat is a banana cardamom smoothie. It takes about 3 minutes to make, and I close my eyes to imagine that I’m back in Costa Rica or Thailand or even Bali when I drink it. I even turn on Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat Song” while I sip.
This smoothie is the perfect pick-me-up on a winter day in New York. And if you’re lucky enough to be in the tropics or the southern hemisphere, try it with frozen banana for a refreshing mid-day treat.
How do you stay warm and cozy in winter? Any particularly warming recipes you like to make?
Banana Cardamom Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup soy milk, or another non-dairy milk
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 4 dates, pitted
- 1 tsp cardamom seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp espresso beans, optional
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
Excellent tasting smoothie. I used almond milk instead of soy and only 3 dates. It was still delicious and I really liked the kick that the cardamon and espresso gave it. Went great with my avocado toast. Thanks for another amazing recipe.
Super delicious smoothie! Used ground cardamom and date paste to make it easier on my blender. Paired with applesauce muffins for a tasty breakfast!
Also, if you do not have a $500 blender can you use the cardamom cloves whole or do you have to crush them separately?
Green cardamom. Great question!
You can buy them ground, crush them in a mortar & pestle, grind them in a coffee/spice grinder, or put them whole into any blender. They might not get totally crushed, but it’s a nice texture and flavor burst 😉
Hello, could you specify if you mean Green or black cardamom? Thanks!
mmmmmm sounds yummy. my favorite spices. I make a chai mix that i use daily in my tea
Mmmm, Chai mix 😉
Jenne, can you store the other serving for the next day? Glass with saran atop ok?
Oh yes you can Barbara! I’ve stored it like that, and stirred it with a spoon before drinking 🙂 Enjoy!
Excellent smoothie, rich, decadent, tastes like a really good eggnog. I used almond milk instead of soy and light coconut milk. Thanks for another great recipe Jenne!
Yummy!! Donna, I’m so glad you liked it. It reminds me of eggnog too!!! xo
Hey Elisabeth!! Yes, I got your gorgeous gift. Thank you so very much! I’ve been putting something together to send to you too.
I’m totally jealous that you got to see Harry Belafonte in person at your school! That’s so cool 🙂
Happy New Year!!