This is bananas — B.A.N.A.N.A.S! New York City is freezing right now and I haven’t left the house in nearly 48 hours. That cold wind whipping through the streets makes me long for warmth. I was born in the South and belong in the tropics: heat, humidity, and endless sunshine. Even a rainy season would beat the bleak northeast winter. For now, I’m taking comfort in the warm, fragrant taste of cardamom in this banana cardamom smoothie.
Last winter I visited Costa Rica to stay with a friend teaching yoga in the jungle. Although I’d spent time in Costa Rica before, I’d never been there during our winter. Stepping out of the airport felt like arriving in another world — warm air, green trees, and bright blue skies. I could have stayed forever.
Instead of sulking about the cold and gray days, I transport myself to warmer places by making tropical-inspired recipes. Lately my go-to is this banana cardamom smoothie. It takes about three minutes to prepare and, with my eyes closed and a sip in hand, I can picture Costa Rica, Thailand, or Bali. Sometimes I put on Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat Song” while I sip.
This smoothie is a cheerful pick-me-up on a winter day in New York. If you’re lucky enough to be in a warm climate or the southern hemisphere, make it with frozen bananas for a refreshing midday treat.
How do you stay warm and cozy in winter? Do you have favorite warming recipes?
Banana Cardamom Smoothie
Jenné Claiborne
2 minutes
1 minute
2
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
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Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
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