Chai Smoothie
User Reviews
5
Chai Smoothie
Description
The Chai Smoothie recipe starts by steeping a black tea bag in boiling water to extract rich, robust tea flavor. The cooled tea is combined with soft Medjool dates, hemp hearts, ground flax seed, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a blender. This mixture is blended thoroughly to break down the dates and seeds into a smooth, spiced base. Adding ice and blending again creates a slushy texture, similar to a milkshake but with chai spices and no dairy unless milk is substituted.
The smoothie has creamy mouthfeel from the seeds, a natural sweetness from the dates, and warm chai spices balanced by vanilla and salt. The ice adds cooling refreshment with a thick consistency suitable for a snack or light breakfast beverage. The recipe can be customized by substituting frozen bananas instead of dates for natural sweetness and texture, changing the flavor and icing requirements.
This drink is best served immediately for a refreshing slushy texture. Leftovers lose some texture but can be repurposed as frozen treats if stored in ice pop molds. The ingredients support a nutrient-rich profile, delivering fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. The preparation is simple, relying on blending and tea steeping without cooking.
Notes highlight that dates soften when steeped in the hot tea, allowing them to blend easier. Nutrition info is approximate for the whole batch. The recipe allows for skipping the tea by using milk directly to reduce caffeine. This flexibility adapts the smoothie to different dietary preferences and times of day.
Ingredients
- 1 black tea bag (like English Breakfast tea)
- ¾ cup water boiled
- 3 Medjool dates
- 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
- 1 tablespoon Flax Seed ground
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- pinch of cloves ground
- salt pinch
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- To prepare the tea, add the tea bag to a mug and pour the boiling water over it. Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag, and let the tea cool. (You can do this in advance, and start with 3/4 cup of cooled tea.) Alternatively, you can skip this step and use milk instead of tea, for a caffeine-free drink.
- Add the dates, hemp hearts, flax, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of salt to a blender. Add the cooled tea, and blend until very smooth, about 60 seconds, making sure there are no more visible pieces of dates.
- Add in the ice and blend again until a slushy texture is achieved. Serve right away for a milkshake-like texture. Leftovers won't have the same texture, but you can store them in an ice pop mold in the freezer for a frozen treat later.
Notes
- If dates are firm, soften them by steeping in hot tea during brewing to blend smoothly.
- Substitute frozen bananas for dates to change sweetness and texture; reduce ice accordingly.
- You may use milk in place of tea for a caffeine-free smoothie variation.
- Serve immediately for a slushy, milkshake-like texture; leftovers can be frozen as popsicles.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 373 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 373kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13g | 76% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Sodium | 24mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 450mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 37g | 74% |
| Vitamin A | 240IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 118mg | 12% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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