Welcome to my blog, friends! My name is Nasrin Al-Harbi, and I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Roots and Goodness Taro and Sweet Potato Smoothie! Just like me, you probably wake up in the morning craving something healthy and delicious to start your day. This sweet and nutty, creamy smoothie is perfect for anyone who wants a bit of adventure in their breakfast routine. Not only is it refreshing and filling, but it is also vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, making it an excellent healthy choice for anyone who wants to start their day off right.
Nasrin is an enthusiastic traveler and a lover of theology and architecture. She has always been fascinated by the rich culture and diversity of the Middle East, where she was born and raised. Nasrin moved abroad when she was 21 to continue her education, and she is now enjoying her life as a freelance writer and blogger.
Nasrin Al-Harbi currently resides in Canada and grew up in Saudi Arabia.
I grew up in Saudi Arabia, where I enjoyed traditional recipes inspired by nutty-flavored root vegetables. So, when I found this recipe, I knew I had to give it a try. While the taro root is not necessarily a staple ingredient in my home country of Saudi Arabia, it is a popular crop in many other parts of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. The nutty, earthy flavor and smooth, creamy texture of taro make it a unique and delicious addition to any dish. Combine the taro with sweet potatoes (another favorite of mine), coconut milk, and maple syrup, and you’ve got yourself a winning breakfast treat!
Not only is this recipe inspired by the cultural roots of taro, but it also has a fun little backstory. Legend has it that the taro plant was one of the first plants cultivated by humans. In fact, it is said that the taro plant was grown as far back as 7000 years ago in ancient Egypt. How fascinating is that? It has since become a staple crop in many parts of the world, and for good reason. Not only is it delicious, but it is also loaded with nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and vitamin E. So, give this Roots and Goodness Taro and Sweet Potato Smoothie recipe a try and see for yourself why it is such a beloved and time-honored dish across the globe.
What you need
Get ready for a nutrient-packed breakfast with this delicious Roots and Goodness: Taro and Sweet Potato Smoothie recipe! As someone who loves trying out new flavors and ingredients has brought me to come across this unique, creamy smoothie that is perfect for any health-conscious foodie. The smoothie features taro root, an ingredient that is not so common in my region, but has quickly become one of my favorite ingredients due to its nutty, earthy flavor and creamy texture. Paired with sweet potato, the root vegetables create a natural sweetness that is balanced perfectly by the unsweetened coconut milk and a dash of maple syrup. The smoothie is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal preparation. Simply peel and cube the taro and sweet potato, blend all ingredients on high, and serve! In addition, the recipe is vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, guilt-free breakfast or snack. Don’t hesitate to give this Roots and Goodness: Taro and Sweet Potato Smoothie recipe a try and let me know how you like it!
Ingredients:
- Taro root, peeled and cubed – Taro brings a creamy texture and unique flavor to the smoothie. If taro is not available, you can substitute with 1 banana.
- Sweet potato, peeled and cubed – Sweet potato adds natural sweetness and its signature orange hue to the smoothie. You can substitute with 1 large carrot.
- Coconut milk, unsweetened – Coconut milk gives the smoothie a rich and tropical flavor. You can use any non-dairy milk as a substitute.
- Maple syrup – Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and balances the earthy flavors of the root vegetables. You can substitute with any sweetener of your choice.
- Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the sweet potato and ties the ingredients together. You can skip this ingredient if needed.
- Ice cubes – Ice cubes help to make the smoothie extra frosty and refreshing. Use less if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Utensils:
- Blender
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Taro root
Taro root is not a very common ingredient in my culture, but it is a staple in many Asian and Pacific Islander cuisines. I have discovered the beauty of this root vegetable in this smoothie recipe. It adds a creamy texture and a nutty, earthy flavor that balances well with the sweetness of sweet potato. Although taro root is starchy like potato, it is considered a highly nutritious vegetable. It is high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and E. However, raw taro root contains small amounts of calcium oxalate, which can cause irritation in the mouth and throat. To avoid this, the taro root should be thoroughly cooked or soaked in water before consumption. I would highly recommend trying taro root in this smoothie recipe, as it is a great way to incorporate this nutritious ingredient into your diet.
Coconut milk
I absolutely love coconut milk and use it frequently in both sweet and savory recipes, which is why I am excited to use it in this Taro and Sweet Potato Smoothie. Coconut milk is a staple ingredient in many Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines and is known for its rich, creamy texture and tropical flavor. It is made by blending coconut flesh with water and straining it to remove any solids. It is a great alternative to dairy milk, as it is lactose-free and vegan-friendly. Coconut milk is also a healthy choice, as it contains medium-chain fatty acids that can increase metabolism and aid in weight loss. However, like any high-fat food, it should be consumed in moderation. Unsweetened coconut milk is a great choice for this recipe, as it adds creaminess and flavor without added sugars. I can’t wait to taste how the coconut milk pairs with the taro root and sweet potato!
What to serve it with?
I love pairing this delicious smoothie with a slice of warm, freshly baked banana bread. There’s something about the combination of the nuttiness from the taro and the sweetness of the sweet potato that just begs for a slice of warm and sweet bread to go with it. It’s a match made in heaven! Plus, banana bread is easy to make and is a great way to use up any overripe bananas sitting on your countertop. To me, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm slice of banana bread and a creamy Roots and Goodness Taro and Sweet Potato Smoothie on a chilly morning. It’s the perfect way to start my day!
Summary
As I conclude this blog post, I encourage you to try this unique and delicious Roots and Goodness Taro and Sweet Potato Smoothie recipe for yourself. Whether you’re a lover of health-conscious recipes or just want to mix up your breakfast routine, I promise you won’t be disappointed. So, what do you think, my lovely readers? What other root vegetables do you enjoy experimenting with in your smoothies? Do you have any other fun serving suggestions that you think I should try? Let me know in the comments below! And as always, thank you for tuning into my blog today. Until next time, happy blending and bon appétit!
Here’s the recipe:
Roots and Goodness: Taro and Sweet Potato Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
- Knife
- cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup Taro root, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup Coconut milk, unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Ice cubes
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients - Peel and cube the taro root and sweet potato. Measure out the ice cubes, coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Place all of the ingredients in separate bowls or containers for easy access while blending. - Taro root can be sticky and can cause itchiness when it comes into contact with skin. Wear gloves or coat your hands with oil to prevent this. Also, make sure to use a sharp knife to cut the root vegetables as they can be tough to cut.
- Blend the ingredients - Add the cubed taro root, sweet potato, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ice cubes to the blender. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. - Start blending on a low speed and gradually increase to high speed to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined. Do not overblend, as this will cause the smoothie to become too thin. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of non-dairy milk to thin it out.
- Serve and enjoy - Divide the smoothie between two glasses and serve immediately. - Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for an extra flavor boost and added texture. If you have any leftover smoothie, pour it into a popsicle mold and freeze for a tasty frozen treat!
