I recently tried a kale and pineapple smoothie at the recommendation of Heather.
I didn't feel like doing the chopping, so I paid for convenience.
I realized I would need to add some coconut water so there was moisture for the immersion blender to be immersed in.
Just kidding, there's no beer in there, that's just a bottle waiting to be recycled.
Lots of green bits.
I added a plop (really specific amount, I know) of plain Greek yogurt to thicken it up after adding all that coconut water and after the pineapple got juicier, and to add some protein.
It wasn't bad! But I had a hard time getting the kale into tiny tiny pieces. I had to consult a mirror afterwards so I didn't walk into a work meeting with green bits in my teeth.
Kale + Pineapple, Take II
This time, I removed the thicker, harder "vein" in the middle of the kale pieces, hoping that would help with the issue of the kale not getting blended well enough. I think it helped.
I realized this arrangement wasn't going to work well. After photographing, I took the kale out and blended the pineapple on its own with some coconut water.
After I had a nice liquid to start with, I added the kale a little bit at a time.
Mostly the same as the first.
Changes:-I did toss in maybe half a banana's worth of frozen banana chunks to change it up a bit and make the smoothie a little colder.
-No greek yogurt this time.
-Taking the "veins" of the kale out did help it blend easier.
I liked my second attempt much better, and would make it again! Still weird to get over the drinking something bright yellow-y green, but not as weird as I expected it to be.
Glad you like it :)
ReplyDeleteUgh. Kale. I'll pass. :)
ReplyDeleteLol! I love green smoothies with spinach, kale not so much but i will try it occasionally!
ReplyDeleteI just bought that container of coconut water to add to my smoothies this week too :)
Glad you are finally on board with the smoothies - i have a bunch of recipes under my recipes tab!
Interesting...I have yet to try the "green monster" so kale seems pretty darn exotic to me :)
ReplyDeleteDo you drink coconut water after runs? I know some people that swear by it.
I've found the best way to add the leafy greens is to blend it all up and then add fistfuls of it at a time.
ReplyDeleteKara- haha. If I remember correctly you are not a smoothie fan, period, right? Do you like kale in any form? I would say it's an acquired taste...the pineapple does help counteract the bitterness.
ReplyDeleteDonna- i'll have to check out your recipes tab!
Kristy- Spinach was a smoother first step into green smoothies. I do like coconut water on its own, but only if it's REALLY cold. I put it over ice. and I like some brands better than others. My husband and I think it helps the morning after having a little too much to drink, too :-p
Green Girl- I agree! It didn't go so well for my first attempt, but a fistful at a time on the 2nd try was much better.
This looks awesome! We use a lot of kale in our smoothies but we haven't tried them with pineapple yet. Will have to try.
ReplyDelete