Avocado Smoothie

Posted by Wona Miniati at 3/27/2009
Categories: Drink Recipes
Tags: avocado smoothie breakfast drink
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I have loved avocados for as long as I can remember.  I have fond memories of scooping large spoonfuls of avocado right out of the skin - I could eat several in a single sitting, if allowed.  I love the creamy, luscious texture and clean, grassy, yet somewhat sweet flavor.  There are so many ways to enjoy avocados!  In guacamole, sandwiches, salads, and even soups.  (Try our Chicken Tortilla Soup on page 45 of our cookbook - the avocados are essential to this delicious soup.)

My sister-in-law turned me onto avocado smoothies, and although she makes hers with just avocado and milk, I like to add a touch of honey or agave nectar.  This is a twist on avocado smoothies that are popular in Southeast Asia, using sweetened condensed milk as the sweetener, so if you have condensed milk on hand, that would make for a more authentic Southeast Asian treat.  And for a dairy-free version, you could use rice milk, soy milk, or almond milk, available in many varieties at Trader Joe's.

But wait, you say, aren't avocados full of fat?  Yes, they are, and that's the reason they were shunned in the past, but now we know better.  Most of the fat in avocados is monosaturated — the "good fat" that helps to lower cholesterol.  Avocados are also high in magnesium, which combats high blood pressure, excess belly fat, and high blood sugar, in addition to high cholesterol.  And a single avocado delivers 11 grams of fiber!  So don't be afraid to indulge regularly in this wonderful fruit.

How do you tell when an avocado is ripe?  Here in California, the most common type is the Haas avocado.  With this particular species, the skin turns dark when it's ripe; it goes from green to a green-black.  Choose one that is dark-skinned but still somewhat firm to the touch.  That way you'll end up with gorgeous slices, not a mushy mess.  If you're not using the entire avocado, the best way to store it is to leave the pit in.  I don't know the science behind it, but leaving the pit in will slow down the browning process.  Has the avocado been fooled?  Not sure, but it works.

Avocado Smoothie

1 large ripe avocado
2 cups milk
2 tsp honey or agave nectar

1. Scoop out the flesh of the avocado into a blender.  Add 1/2 cup milk and honey.  Blend until mixture is creamy and smooth.
2. Add remaining milk and mix until blended.

Serves 2

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