Revised Beetroot (Beet) Smoothie with Cocoa

I originally wrote this recipe using beet juice. Recently though, I haven't been juicing so much ... I think it's the mortal fear of having to wash the various implements involved. But I do love the idea of integrating more beetroot (aka beet, for you North Americans) into my diet and my family's.

Which is a challenge, because Robbie detests it. Almost as much as blue cheese.

But beetroot has this amazing synergy when it's mixed with chocolate, or cocoa powder ... making something utterly, indescribably good. Hence, this smoothie was born.


This is the new, revised, juicing-free version.


Nowadays, I roast leftover/surplus/hanging-around beetroots in olive oil in the oven until they're caramelised, let them cool, and blend them with yogurt. This makes an amazing dip, but can also be chucked into smoothies, cakes, pancakes, muffins, and so on. *Very* handy. Make up more than you'll need for this recipe!

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Beetroot Smoothie with Cocoa
serves 2-3

The time
<10 minutes if you have cooked beetroot on hand

The ingredients
The beetroot yogurt
1 medium roasted, peeled beetroot
1/2 cup thick plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)

*if you want to make more, just add another 1/2 cup of yogurt for each additional beetroot

The rest
3 bananas (can be a mix of ripe and frozen)
1 heaped Tbs raw cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups milk

a little raw honey, if you like it sweeter

*Try to use organic ingredients when you can

1. If you're making extra beetroot yogurt, do that first in the blender. Take out the extra and pop it in the fridge, leaving just enough for this smoothie recipe.

2. Otherwise, just add all the ingredients to the blender and blend.

NOTE: Don't forget to make any extra smoothie into popsicles!

And Robbie? His quote still stands unamended:
"It's not beetroot unless you can taste it."
The cost
Our smoothies were 100% organic. I usually get my beetroots at the farmer's markets - use up the greens in some kind of garlicky dish and then play my tricks with Robbie. But this latest batch, I grew! I pick up bananas on special and freeze them. (TIP: if you live in Brisbane, check the freezer at Wray Organic!!) I estimate these smoothies come out around $1 each. Happy!

Have *you* ever tried beetroot + chocolate? If you've got a fave recipe, we'd love to hear it ...
Amanda xx

Comments

  1. My mum and I were just talking on the phone a few days ago about trying out beetroot in a smoothie! Your's look wonderful.

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  2. Such a great idea! That smoothie does look amazing!

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  3. what a delicious sounding (and looking!) recipe! Im going to grab a coffee and read more, so glad i found your blog :) Belle

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  4. I think your Robbie and I are related somewhere along the line! I have never liked beets nor blue cheese!
    I do like the look of this smoothie though and really should try it before saying *uck*. Love that your little one is enjoying it.

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  5. Emma, You and your mum are both brilliant - obviously ;)

    Chinmayie, Thanks!

    Belle, What a sweetheart you are! Hope you enjoyed your coffee and perusal!

    Paula, how do you feel about pineapple? If it's your 3rd least favourite, you and Robbie are *definitely* related :)

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  6. YUM!! I have a recipe for choc-beetroot cake, but this smoothie is awesome (and definitely healthier considering the amount of sugar required for the cake, which I regularly halve!)

    I've only just found your blog and really looking forward to hearing more! Thank you! :)

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  7. I so much love beetroot in any dish! Your smoothy looks fabulous & ooh so appetizing too! A great & energizing breakfast! ;)

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  8. Great work - I have been on the look our for a new smoothie recipe. I am sure the two beets sitting in my fridge are there for this purpose. Nell looks like she is slurping up a treat. I have made a beet and choc cake before and it was dangerously good. Have fun this weekend. I am hoping to make it down for a squiz. x

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  9. In a similar vein is this wonderful choc-beet cake - from David Lebovitz's blog, adapted from the idol-worthy Nigel Slater - http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2011/11/moist-chocolate-beet-cake-recipe-nigel-slater/

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  10. Hello Amanda, lovely to meet you at the BIDM with Renee, I will enjoy redaing your blog too :)
    The beetroot and cocoa were related to cake for me too :)
    Sandrine

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  11. I just tried a variant of this - used low-fat plain kefir as the base, 1/2 frozen banana and some organic cocoa mix (so has some sugar in it). Added a dab of vanilla and a dash of cinnamon and it is DELICIOUS. I'd never tried beets + chocolate, but now I am hooked.

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Thanks for commenting! Amandaxx