Sweet & Calming Veggie Smoothie

Did you know you are a superorganism? Your life is interdependent with the billions of microorganisms that live in and on you and make up your gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome is a diverse microbiome. The greater variety of microbes in your gut the better you’ll feel in body and mind. The more the merrier at this party!

Veggie Smoothies are an easy way to increase the amount and diversity of plant foods in your diet. They are great with meals or on their own. What’s unique about these “smoothies” is that, naturally, they’re prepared the Āyurvedic way—by first lightly cooking the ingredients and adding agni-boosting spices. Compared to mainstream smoothies, which are often cold/frozen and include a variety of ingredients that, per Āyurveda, do not digest well together and can great āma, these combinations are balanced in taste, consistency, and gunas to promote healthy digestion—for you and your microbes.

This Sweet & Calming Smoothie features beets, apples, and fennel—all of which can balance aggravated vāta or pitta, purify the blood, and support healthy blood sugar. If you find yourself concocting your own smoothie recipes, share them on Instagram and tag @satsangam.community, and we’ll repost your creations!

Ingredients:

• 1 beet, chopped
• 1 fennel bulb, chopped
• 1/2 apple, chopped
• 2 cups water
• Handful of parsley, chopped
• Spices to taste (suggested: cinnamon, coriander, mint)

Method

1. Combine the beet, fennel, and apple in a medium pot with the water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the beet is soft.
2. Let cool, then transfer the vegetables to a food processor or blender (setting aside the liquid).
3. Add the spices and herbs, and blend until smooth. Pour in the reserved cooking liquid gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Divide the smoothie into 2 glasses. Garnish with additional parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy cool or at room temp.