Carob Goji Nut Smoothie

Lately, when making chocolate smoothies, I have been using carob powder instead of raw cacao. There are strong arguments both for and against consuming raw cacao, most of the negative aspects being that it contains theobromine and caffeine. I do sometimes find raw cacao too rich and even too stimulating when consumed regularly (I don’t drink coffee, but I can imagine that the effects are very similar).

On the contrary, carob powder satisfies my taste for chocolate and has a lovely sweet, malted taste, without all the “side effects” of raw cacao. In addition, carob is rich in minerals and nutrients such as potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, omega and even protein. 

Some interesting facts regarding the history of carob (source):

“For thousands of years, carob pods and powder have been used extensively by civilizations located in the Mediterranean region as well as those along the Adriatic Sea.  The carob tree has been around for a very long time with one of the first early records of its use dating back to ancient Egyptian times.  In fact, the image of the carob pod was actually used in Egyptian hieroglyphs for the word “sweet.”…. Interestingly, the seeds were used as one of the very first units of measurement referred to as “carats.” … Throughout history is has been used as a reliable food source during times of famine as the trees are drought resistant and can persevere under harsh conditions in poor soils. It has been use as a syrup, liqueur and ingredient in compote throughout the Mediterranean region.  The island of Cyprus is well known for their carob syrup commonly called “black gold.”  The syrup is also used on Crete, one of the Greek islands.  Medicinally carob syrup is also used in Malta for coughs and a sore throat.”

I know that carob is an acquired taste for many people (especially “die-hard chocaholics”), but I am almost sure that you will love it when combined with the ingredients below. This smoothie definitely ticks all the boxes if you are looking for something creamy, chocolatey, nutty and just plain yummy! 😉

Ingredients:

• 2 large/3 small frozen bananas
• ¼ cup walnuts
• 1-2 TBS goji berries
• 1-2 TBS carob powder
• 2 dates
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup almond milk
• optional: 1 TBS nut butter

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in a high speed and blend until smooth
2. Pour into a glass or bowl, sprinkle with extra goji berries and nuts/coconut and enjoy
3. Alternatively, layer it in a glass or parfait bowl with chia pudding and serve (see here)
4. For a simpler recipe, click here

Ingredients

served with homemade dried apple rings

Sooo smooth and chocolatey!