Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the first day of Lent. It is also the day after Mardi Gras. Whether asking for forgiveness from above or asking for forgiveness from your liver, breaking your fast with a delicious green smoothie is the way to go.
Stay with me here.
I know, I know. Sure, you’ve read about green smoothies. They look pretty and all, but really? Raw greens?
Yes, really. I promise, not only will you live, you’ll feel nourished and can add foolishness to your penance for denying yourself this guilt-free pleasure. This green smoothie recipe is a great “starter” recipe to use while you work your way up to bolder combinations. This smoothie is inspired by a similar one at Sip in Portland. It’s sweet enough make you forget the other ingredients and green enough to make your organs say, “Ahhh….”
The Hallelujah Chorus Green Smoothie
1 large kale leaf, with stem if using a high-powered blender, otherwise 2 leaves without stems, rinsed
1/2 cup baby spinach leaves, rinsed
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teas. coconut oil
agave to taste (optional)
2-3 ice cubes
Combine the ingredients in the base of a blender. Process until smooth, adding a tiny bit of water if necessary to reach desired consistency. You can also add an optional 1/2 of a banana to this smoothie for an even creamier mouthfeel and added sweetness.
Yields 1 smoothie
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!!!
Haha love the pinwheel. By the way, I tried your carrot cake bread recipe! Just had it for breakfast, in fact. It’s on my blog if you want to check it out 🙂
It looks great! I like your substitutions, it sounds really delicious!
I am one of those people that has been too chicken (err, seitan?) to try a green smoothie. I’m going to try yours! Is there anything I can use to replace the coconut oil? I usually don’t have that in the house…
Seriously, give it a try. They only look scary- they taste great! For the coconut oil, you can just omit it, but then you might want the sweetener to take the edge off, or a little piece of banana.
I’m making a green smoothie my own allowed meal for Ash Wednesday! I almost feel like it’s cheating because it’s about a day’s worth nutrition in one. I usually do greens/banana with some stuff mixed in (almond butter or berries) but I’d love to try it with pineapple. Mmm.
Yeah, smoothies are very hardy little meals. But they are super easy on your digestion, so that should be fast-worthy.
I love green smoothies! But I do get all sad when I add things like blueberries and they turn brown.
That looks so pretty! I’m working up to green smoothies by throwing spinach into my usual fruity concoctions.
Jojo- that’s an excellent start!