Vanilla Chai (Optionally Green) Breakfast Smoothie

March 10th, 2014 | Posted by Alison Spath in Breakfast

Perhaps you’re a regular smoothie drinker, or perhaps you’re on a smoothie hiatus for the winter.  Either way, I was recently amazed at the way the right combo of spices can turn an otherwise ordinary banana and milk smoothie into a Chai masterpiece.

If you like chai and you like smoothies, this is your drink.

Vanilla Chia Breakfast Smoothie

Actually, this was my drink.  You are going to have to make your own.

I recently happened upon this chai latte coconut almond smoothie through my Internet (err, Pinterest) travels.  My version is definitely “inspired by” that recipe, but the beauty of this chai smoothie concept is that you can take cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and black pepper to chai-ify (new word!) any smoothie you might already make.

A banana or two, some kind of milk (dairy, almond, coconut, hemp, homemade cashew milk) a little frozen fruit or ice, consider some protein like yogurt or hemp seeds, maybe some honey – you get the picture.  Whatever you put in your favorite smoothie, get it out and let’s do this!

Feeling inspired (and hungry) I took this spicy idea and applied it to the aforementioned ordinary banana and milk smoothie.  (And hooray!  Bananas are on the list of Affordable Healthy Foods!)

I made this for the first time yesterday and was thinking about it again this morning, about 15 seconds after I set foot in the door from a 3 mile run.  I broke up a couple of bananas to throw into the freezer for a short while,

Break Up Bananas for Freezing

to freeze *just a little* while I did some cool down yoga and changed my clothes.  Then it was time to get down to breakfast smoothie making business.

Gather Ingredients

I used frozen mango today sweeten it a little more and to thicken it up some.  (I used frozen strawberries yesterday with equally good results.)

With your smoothie ingredients assembled, your chai spices to consider:

Chai Spices and Vanilla

Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper and vanilla extract.

(Missing in Action?  Cardamom.  It’s on the grocery list.)

Everything into the blender, let’s peer into my magic machine!

Peer Into My Vitamix

Your My Vanilla Chai Breakfast Smoothie is served.

Vanilla Chia Breakfast Smoothie

But wait!  There’s more.

Make it a Green Chai Smoothie

You could also make it a Green Vanilla Chai Breakfast Smoothie if that might be your thing.

Green smoothies are totally My Thing.

(Did you happen notice the Vitamix was unplugged in that picture?  I was joined on the chair by little side kick for my “Birds Eye View” shot.

Climbed Up on Chair

The little side kick who loves to flip the switches on the Vitamix.)

If green smoothies are Your Thing too, add a handful of spinach.  It will make the consistency slightly thinner but shouldn’t alter the taste or chai flavor so long you don’t go overboard with the leafy green goodness.

Same smoothie, different color.

Green Vanilla Chia Breakfast Smoothie

It’s time to end your smoothie hiatus.

Vanilla Chai Breakfast Smoothie

1 – 2 bananas (slightly frozen, optional)
1 c milk
1/2 c frozen fruit or ice
a little sweetener of choice if desired
Pinches of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, black pepper
Dash of vanilla extract
Optional handful of spinach to make it green

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

(Share with any switch-flipping side kicks as needed.)


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11 Responses

  • This sounds delicious! I usually have a green smoothie in the morning, but I may make it “not green” for a change! :)

  • Katheryn says:

    Yum! I’ve never thought of adding spices to my smoothie, but will definitely try that tomorrow. Thanks!

  • jen says:

    vanilla! derp. This sounds perfect.

  • Annie says:

    OHMYGOSH I just met a chai latte recently and fell in love

    I love that you froze bananas on the fly.

    and lil dude is ADORABLE!

    can totally imagine flipping the vita-switch on with green goodness inside!
    OYE

    CHEERS!

  • Elizabeth says:

    Question: to combat the thinness brought on by the spinach could one just put less milk? Just wondering if you’ve tried this, don’t want to affect the flavor. :)

    • Sure, I would say that less milk could definitely help keep it on the thicker side. Fresh spinach holds some water, so that’s what waters it down a little. Adding less liquid to compensate for the spinach makes sense!

  • Krys says:

    This!

    I made this yesterday for the first time and it was good. (Note to others: don’t go too cray with the black pepper or nutmeg). But today! Delish! I add a tiny bit of fresh ginger and two ice-cubes to make it cold (I don’t like room temperature or slightly cold creamy stuff).

    You totally changed my relationship to the soy milk in my fridge. Thanks!

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