Date and Avocado Smoothie

This creamy smoothie gets all its sweetness from soft Kimia dates – no sugar or honey needed. It takes four ingredients, one blender and about five minutes.

Makes: about 2 glasses · Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 Kimia dates, pitted
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1 cup (240 ml) coconut water or unsweetened almond milk
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• A few ice cubes (optional)

Method

1. Prepare: pit the dates and scoop out the avocado. If your dates feel firm, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first.
2. Blend: put the dates, avocado, coconut water (or almond milk), cinnamon and vanilla in a blender and blend until completely smooth.
3. Adjust: too thick? Add a splash more liquid. Want it colder and thicker? Add ice and blend again.
4. Serve: pour into glasses and drink straight away – avocado darkens if it stands for long.

Tips for the best smoothie

• Use soft dates. Kimia dates are very soft and moist, so they blend without leaving lumps. Soft Fard dates also work well.
• Check the avocado. A ripe avocado gives slightly when pressed gently. An unripe one makes the smoothie grainy and bitter.
• Make it thicker: use frozen avocado chunks or reduce the liquid.

Variations

• Add half a banana for a fruitier taste.
• Swap coconut water for chilled milk for a richer, milkshake-style drink.
• Replace the cinnamon with a pinch of cardamom.

Which dates should you use?

Soft varieties such as Kimia and Fard are best for blending. Firmer Zahidi dates need soaking first. Not sure about the difference? Read our guide to the types of dates in India.

More date recipes: banana date loaf · date and coconut ladoo · khajur barfi