Ripe mango, chia seeds and raw honey make a favourite smoothie combination in our kitchen. Mango brings fruit flavour and a creamy texture, while chia adds a little thickness. This is a food recipe, not a way to balance insulin or treat diabetes.
On a recent trip to Bali I got to try a variety of mangoes. Did you know there are over 500 varieties large and small, smooth and fibrous, sweet and sour? The short mango season has arrived here in the region (we’re based in Dubai) and smooth Alphonsos are piled up in the shops beckoning with their perfumed aroma. Look for the ones that are green with a hint of orange. They will ripen at home by the next day or even within hours. The flesh is soft orange-gold and the juice runs out when you cut them (do this on a board so you don’t waste a drop).
All together I add a large spoonful of Balqees Raw Yemeni Sidr Do’ani honey to really bring out the sweetness. It’s a delicious compliment.
Healthy dessert with mango and raw honey
While everyone loves a smoothie, we have another family favourite which is a version of mango custard. Take a large fresh ripe mango, chop it up and blend it with organic natural yoghurt and a spoonful of raw honey. It’s particularly popular with children, giving them something sweet and delicious and full of goodness. Now here’s our favourite mango smoothie recipe…
Mango smoothie with chia seeds and raw honey
Use ripe mangoes and adjust the honey to taste. Fruit and honey both contribute sugar. The optional bee pollen can cause allergic reactions and can simply be left out; do not serve any honey-containing version to a child under 12 months.
Ingredients
- 2 mangoes, small
- 3 tbsp natural yoghurt
- 250 ml milk plant-based or whole
- 1 banana, frozen add ice if not frozen
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp raw honey or to taste
- 1 tsp bee pollen optional
Instructions
-
Peel the mango, remove the stone and chop into chunks.
-
Put all the ingredients in a blender and whizz until smooth. If your banana was not frozen, add a few ice cubes when blending to add volume and coolness to the smoothie.
-
Sprinkle with bee pollen (optional).
What’s your favourite fruit smoothie? Which other recipes would you like us to share?
