Moroccan Apple and Banana Smoothie Recipe

Morocco is a vibrant country where fresh produce is plentiful thanks to the geographical differences in its terrain. A variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts thrive and provide plenty of culinary opportunities. Besides popular mint tea, strong black coffee, and the ever-present freshly squeezed orange juice, Morocco has a tradition of fruity drinks that puts to good use the variety of fruits that is easily available. Many fruits such as avocados, bananas, apples, persimmons, and plums are used in what we know in the West as smoothies. Chilled to perfection, they are enjoyed at any point during the day, not only as a meal substitute when you’re in a rush to get out the door. Take 5 minutes of your day to give a try to this delicious apple and banana beverage, ideal to accompany some pastries or to enjoy on its own as a snack on a hot summer day. Bananas, sugar, milk, and apples are all that you need. Ice is optional but recommended.

Apples and bananas are staples in American groceries and because of their ubiquity, we rarely stop to think about what nutritional powerhouses they really are. Originally from South East Asia, bananas are packed with fiber, folate, and potassium. The perfect to-go snack, bananas are widely used in vegan and vegetarian baking as egg replacements as their texture aids in binding batters. They are also the stars of smoothies, as their texture adds creaminess to beverages. A medium banana like the one you’d be using for this recipe has barely 100 calories, 2 grams of fiber, and 375 milligrams of potassium, which is a key mineral that aids in the proper function of your neurological and muscular system.

As for the apples, choose sweet and juicy like Fuji, Gala, Kiku, or Opal. If you want to add some extra creaminess to the smoothie, freeze the banana slices overnight and do use the ice cubes when blending. Use any plant-based milk if you don’t want to use dairy, but go for thicker beverages like soy or oat. We use sugar, but feel free to add agave, honey, or a drizzle of maple syrup.