Experiencing a smoothie craving that you have to fulfill? But not many materials available at home? Does not matter! With just a blender and four ingredients, the summer drink will be available in a glass in as little as 5 minutes--and 100% guaranteed success and deliciousness. Who doesn't love a delicious classic strawberry smoothie?
Ingredients
Method One: Traditional Strawberry Smoothie
- 10 strawberries
- 125 ml milk
- 5 ice cubes
- 1 tbsp (15 grams) sugar (optional)
- 3 scoops of ice cream
Method Two: Strawberry Smoothie without Dairy Products
- 10 strawberries
- 60 ml water (or any flavored juice)
- 5 ice cubes
- 1 tbsp (15 grams) honey, agave, or sugar
Step
Method 1 of 2: Traditional Strawberry Smoothie
Step 1. Cut the strawberries
Even though the recipe calls for 10 strawberries, you may need less or more, depending on the size of the strawberries. And depending on your smoothie cravings!
- To make the blender easier, cut off the tops of the strawberries and cut them in half.
- Make sure to use a clean knife and cutting board!
Step 2. Put the strawberry pieces in the blender
Magic Bullet or food processor can also be used.
Step 3. Put the milk in the blender
2% milk will make for a creamier, thicker smoothie, but nonfat milk, soy milk, and almond milk can also be used. If you don't have milk, you can also use yogurt.
Step 4. Add ice cubes
For a thicker, colder smoothie, place the ice cubes in a blender with all the ingredients. However, if you want a more concentrated smoothie (at least at first), just add ice cubes after the smoothie is done. Determine according to taste.
Step 5. Blend until melted
Depending on the power of the blender and the size of the ice cubes, this may take approximately 15 seconds to 1 minute. It may be necessary to stir to allow the remaining chunks of ice to mix into the smoothie. So, use a spoon if necessary. Did someone say taste test?
Step 6. Add sugar, blend again for a few seconds
If the strawberries are sweet enough, additional sweetener may not be necessary. Or, if you prefer something more natural, honey is a great alternative. Try it and see the results. If you add too much sweetener, you can always add more strawberries or milk!
Step 7. Pour the smoothie into a glass
Cut the strawberry in half, then cut it in half again, so that it can be placed on the rim of the glass as a garnish. Attach a straw and cocktail umbrella, and you're done.
A chilled glass is much better--because it prevents the smoothie from going runny too quickly. Keep the glass in the freezer for the next time you suddenly feel the urge to drink a smoothie
Step 8. Enjoy
The recipe above makes one glass of strawberry smoothie. Beware-- smoothies are known to appeal to a large number of people, men and women alike. Hope you have extra ingredients at home for when you are expected to share!
Method 2 of 2: Strawberry Smoothie without Dairy Products
Step 1. Cut about 10 strawberries
10 is a good amount for a smoothie, but more is always welcome. Double the ingredients for more smoothies for later! Prepare a cutting board and knife, and see the results later.
Step 2. Put the strawberries and water or juice in a blender
The water will highlight the sweetness of the strawberries, but the juice will enrich the flavors--apple, pineapple, mango, even grape or cranberry. The juice will slightly reduce the strawberry flavor, but give the smoothie a tangy complex flavor.
Step 3. Pour in the honey or a spoonful of sugar
Honey is a natural sugar, but refined white granulated sugar can also be used. However, both are not mandatory! If the strawberries are sweet enough, the smoothie likely doesn't need any additional sweetener.
You can also blend all the ingredients first and then check if sugar is needed. It's really just an excuse to bribe a spoonful of smoothie first
Step 4. Add ice cubes
The smaller the ice cubes, the easier it will be to blend, but big or small, it will all be mashed in the end. If you're worried about adding too many ice cubes, try adding half of the number of ice cubes listed in the recipe in a blender, and then adding 1 or 2 whole ice cubes after the smoothie is done, to keep it cool.
Another great alternative is a chilled glass--that way, the glass can act as ice, and the smoothie will still have a thicker, denser consistency
Step 5. Blend on low speed, then gradually change to high speed
The ice cubes are coarsely chopped at low speeds, but will become smoother and blend into the smoothie at high speeds. Smoothie is ready when all the ingredients have become a red fruit liquid. Take a spoon--how does it taste?
Then, you may want to blend it again for another 30 minutes to make it more bubbly. Thus, the smoothie will be more fluffy (read: add to the deliciousness of the smoothie)
Step 6. Enjoy
Garnish with fruit slices--perhaps lemon, lime, pineapple, or more strawberries? Straws and umbrellas too! Ah, the delicacy of fruit. Have fun making and enjoying smoothies!
Tips
- Don't add all the ingredients at once. Add ice cubes later so they don't get stuck in the bottom of the blender.
- More of any fruit can be added if desired, such as mango, banana, orange, etc….
- If you prefer a slightly coarser smoothie, don't blend it for too long.
- Vanilla ice cream is recommended for this smoothie, as it is sweet, creamy, and makes the perfect blend.
