Two Avocado Smoothies
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It’s smoothie season!
I’m writing from Chicago, where it’s 98 degrees outside, but feels like it’s over 100. (I only know this thanks to NPR, because I’ve been hunkering down in my sister’s air conditioned apartment all day, eating popsicles.)
I realize that there may be no such thing as smoothie season for people who start off their days with protein shakes every morning, but I like to start out with coffee and eggs. To me, smoothies are summery.
Summer afternoon smoothie treats. I wish I had one right now.
Unfortunately, I made these back in California– during my month of avocado-themed eating– after receiving more avocados than I could chose to count from my generous friends.
(I wouldn’t say I was desperately trying to use up my exponentially-quickly-ripening avocados, but any kitchen efforts that left me with a yummy result and several fewer avocados was okay by me.)
When I first encountered avocado “juice” on a menu (at a hippie little coffee/bread-centric establishment called The Market in Okayama, Japan), I ordered mango juice instead. Who wants to drink their avocados?
Eventually (I was a regular), I gave their avocado juice a try. It was much, much thicker than anything else on their juice menu. Downright smoothie-like, if you ask me. It also tasted creamy, nutty, and vaguely of cinnamon. I was sold.
Later, I realized The Market in Okayama didn’t invent the avocado smoothie; it’s a Vietnamese thing! The classic recipe for Vietnamese sweet avocado shakes uses condensed milk. So I did, too.
Super tasty, of course, but I’d only used up one avocado. So instead of stopping there, I made a second, healthier version, sweetened with honey.* Just for you (if condensed milk is a deal-breaker).**
If you’ve only ever had avocados in a savory format, these sweet shakes are worth a try.
* These are only photos of the first version, since they looked exactly the same.
** You could also substitute agave syrup for honey.
Print these recipes.
RECIPES:
Vietnamese Sweet Avocado Shake
(Adapted from: Viet World Kitchen.)
(Serves 2)
Ingredients:
~ 1 large ripe avocado
~ 1/3 cup coconut milk (or milk, soy milk, or almond milk)
~ 1 cup ice (8 ice cubes)
~ ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
Healthy Avocado Smoothie
(Adapted from: Tess’s Japanese Kitchen.)
(Serves 2)
Ingredients:
~ 1 large ripe avocado
~ ½ cup water or coconut milk (or milk, soy milk, or almond milk); I used ¼ cup of each
~ 5-6 ice cubes
~ 4-5 Tbsp. honey (or more)
~ dash of cardamom
~ dash of cinnamon
How to make it (either recipe):
1. Give the ice cubes and liquid a head start in the blender, then toss in the avocado and other ingredients.
2. Blend until smooth, then add more flavoring as necessary to adjust the taste.
3. Chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes (or up to a day), then serve cold and enjoy!
Related recipe posts:
> Mango Lassi (and Mango Lassi Muffins)
> Crema de Aguacate (Mexican Avocado Soup)
> Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)
spontaneous tomato 
Great recipe! Thanks
Michelle
You’re welcome; hope you get to try it out!
What a lovely colour and texture! Bookmarked for my avocado loving mum :)
Thanks!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Nice! I hope your mom enjoys it. :)
I super can’t wait to make this!!! Thanks Allison for a little Okayama love-love!
I’m so glad you already tried making it! (That was speedy!)
My heart is full of Okayama love-love… if only I could express even more of it on the blog… Maybe I should do a series of Okayama-inspired recipes, starting with the white wine and olive oil baked camembert from Egozaru!? (I still haven’t figured out how to perfectly reproduce that.)
Any new way to use avocados sounds exciting to me! Thanks for the idea, I cannot wait to try it out.
I know, it’s definitely new if you’ve never had avocados in a sweet context instead of savory. Hope you like it!
I need this yesterday…I bet this is so super refreshing, cool, and buttery!!!
XOXO
Have a great 4th!
http://TheSquishyMonster.com
Twitter @aSquishyMonster
Yes, exactly! Cool, sweet, and buttery. And even with condensed milk… still probably healthier than an ice cream smoothie!
Fantastic idea! That looks so impossible creamy and refreshing at the same time, I just know I’d love it.
Yes, I love the idea of unusual sweet/savory combinations, and avocados work amazingly well when sweet. While the traditional condensed milk version is a little decadent, the version with honey is especially refreshing.
Waw! It is already 37°C! That’s quite hot, hot, hot & you really need these tasty cooling avocado smoothies! I agree! I prefer the last one with added cardemom! A real delight!
Yep, it has basically been that hot throughout most of the U.S. recently! (I was just visiting Chicago when I posted this, though… I am soooo lucky that I live in coastal California, where it is much cooler!)