This is another one of my power nutrition breakfast “milk” shake! The “secret” ingredients which you would never know are in there–you just don’t taste them–are rolled oats and lentils. I like to use regular or red lentils for this milk shake because they “camouflage” completely! You can use canned lentils (click here for a brand I like, but rinse well so as to get rid of any added sodium) or just follow instructions for cooking them from scratch, so you do without the salt. There is no need for any added sugar: the sweetness of the ripe banana and fresh strawberries is all you need but if you prefer it a little sweeter still, then you can add the date–all natural sweetness– I LOVE it! It’s one of my go-to breakfast, filled with protein, fiber, calcium and vitamins and it fuels me up after a great Zumba workout! YUM!
PS: Watch my cooking class video on how to make this recipe!
- 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
- 5-6 fresh strawberries, rinsed
- 1 small ripe banana
- 2 Tbsp canned lentils, rinsed and drained
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (dry)
- 1 medjool date, pitted (optional)
- 1 cup ice
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth--about 30 seconds
Click here for a fantastic article about everything you wanted to know about bananas, from their history and interesting facts to their health benefits!
My 14 year old has always loved my smoothies but I was never sure how to add more protein in a healthy way (instead of protein powder) and give them more staying power. Planning on trying this recipe tomorrow since school is back in session and mornings are more rushed! Thank you, Catherine!
I usually give my nine year old carrot, celery, cucumber and apple juice but I ran out of carrots. I was looking through the smoothie recipes and decided to give him this one since he loves strawberries. This is what he said, “mama I don’t like this smoothie, I love it”. He was one happy camper this morning. Thanks, Catherine for helping me to feed my family healthy foods that taste delicious.
HIP HIP HURRAY for your son, Iris!!!! I absolutely LOVE this!! In fact so much so, that I posted it in my very special reviews! This is what cuisinicity is all about and really all that I could wish for! Great job Mama!!! 🙂
Catherine I made this just now! I love it! you would never know the lentils were in there. YUMMY! Thanks for the great recipes 🙂
YES!!!! I love it, Heather, and you are so very welcome! 🙂 🙂
Catherine, this has become my little girl (18 month) and my go to breakfast. She started to get picky in her foods, but this smoothie she gobbles up faster then I can look. Plus it has a relatively low mess factor, so if pressed for time, it is perfect.
This morning I threw in some additional frozen raspberries. Oh my, gives it an extra kick.
Thank you for an awesome recipe!
Sibylle
Oh my goodness Sibylle, I always love to hear from young moms about how much their little cuties love a particular recipe, especially if they are usually finicky– it fills me with joy! I love that you snuck in some raspberries too–YUM and so nutritious! Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback 🙂 🙂 🙂
I’ve never thought to put lentils into smoothies. It’s a great idea. Thank you for sharing. What brand of canned lentils do you buy? I don’t think I’ve seen them at the grocery store before.
Yes Leonne, I love hiding lentils in so many unexpected places–great nutrition and very humble so you don’t know they are there! I wrote about them before here: https://cuisinicity.com/the-goodness-of-lentils/ and here https://cuisinicity.com/a-clandestine-ingredient/ I like to use the brand “Westbrae Natural” organic black lentils.
you can cooked them yourself
Yes Patricia, of course! In fact I just cooked up a big batch and have it ready to go in my fridge. This is just to cut corners when there is no extra time!
Thanks Sbo! Try it, you’ll love it
Just double checking here…canned lentils…just add them to the blender? Straight from the can after draining and rinsing?
Yes, Max, straight from the can, just rinse and drain and in the blender they go!
I agree about it and very interested.