
Mango Smoothie with Chili, Lime and Ginger
In this month’s installment of Cooking for your Health, it’s time to get serious: Let’s talk bikinis. Summer is nearly here in the northern hemisphere, and while the weather may not yet be blinding hot, it will be soon enough, which means that it’s time to haul out the swimsuits. Don’t panic. Getting in shape for our bikinis and trunks should not sacrifice good nutrition, flavor or enjoyment. That’s where this smoothie comes in as the perfect liquid meal and refreshment for when the days grow warm.
Smoothies are a blend of fruit and/or vegetables, blitzed with ice, juice or yogurt. They may be sweet, savory or a blend of both, such as in this Mango Smoothie. It’s a tropical mix of mango and pineapple balanced with citrus, the prickle of ginger and a kick of heat from chile which lends a pleasant vegetal note. It’s a refreshing, nourishing and low caloric snack in a glass. You might be parked on a chaise lounge under an umbrella, but your tastebuds will be dancing.
Mango Smoothie with Chili and Lime
The Thai flavors in this smoothie hint at holidays and far flung destinations. It’s summer after all – we should all feel like we are on vacation, even if it’s in our own back yard. Feel free to use frozen fruit in place of fresh if needed. For extra flavor, freeze coconut water in ice cube trays and use for the ice cubes when blending the smoothie.
Serves 1 to 2.
1 ripe mango, peeled, cut in pieces, about 1 1/2 cups
1 cup peeled, chopped fresh pineapple
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 red jalapeno pepper, seeded, finely chopped
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons peeled and finely grated fresh ginger with juice
1 cup ice cubes or frozen coconut water cubes
Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve cold.
I make a mango smoothie using frozen mango instead of ice – you have given me a ton of tips here, Lynda. Pinning your shot…
I want one now! Do you think it would work with frozen fruit? I have both frozen mango and pineapple on hand.
Yes, frozen fruit certainly works!
Is there a better way to celebrate mango season? I think not!
Fantastic medley of flavors. Had all the ingredients and made myself a smoothie. Delicious!
Maine flower
Love this! In fact I’m going to see if I’ve got the ingredients to make it right now 🙂
I love the combination of the sweet mango with the spicy chili- yum! Great idea to use coconut water ice cubes.
Love this…I may not be in the Northern Hemisphere….but if I could get my mitts on some mangoes this would certainly brighten up winter 🙂
Oh I don’t drink smoothies. I don’t have anything against them. One look at this and I know I need to start. Like five minutes ago!