This recipe was contributed by Janie Hoffman of Mamma Chia exclusively for Life by DailyBurn. For more of her recipes visit MammaChia.com.
Tired of the sweet stuff? This smoothie recipe brings the heat, thanks to the serrano chile pepper and fresh grated ginger. Blend them with omega-3-rich chia seeds and nutrient-packed fresh papaya and pineapple juice, and this drink is just what the doctor ordered. Note: The instructions call for room-tempertaure pineapple juice (the temperature best-suited to creating a chia gel), but you can keep things cool by popping the mixture into the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. Add a sprig of cilantro for color, and you’ve got yourself a picture-perfect smoothie to sip on.
Serrano Pineapple-Papaya Chia Smoothie Recipe
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cup 100% pure pineapple juice (not from concentrate), at room temperature
2 tablespoons white chia seeds
1 cup fresh papaya cubes
1/2 cup peeled, chopped, English cucumber
1/2 small serrano pepper, with or without seeds, stemmed
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons pistachio or avocado oil
1 teaspoon peeled, grated fresh ginger
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
2 sprigs cilantro, for garnish
Preparation
- In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice and chia seeds and let stand for about 20 minutes. (Makes 1 1/8 cups pineapple-chia gel.)
- Place the pineapple-chia gel, papaya, cucumber, serrano pepper, lime juice, oil, ginger and salt in a blender. Cover and puree until smooth.
- Pour into two chilled martini or other beverage glasses. Garnish each with a cilantro sprig and serve.