DRYFRUITS - BANANA MILKSHAKE / SMOOTHIE

 Dry fruits - Banana Milkshake is very popular in Indian restaurants and in the juice centers found in the cities of Mumbai and Delhi. Healthy, refreshing, this dry fruits, banana milkshake recipe is the perfect beverage to give you a quick energy boost throughout the day! It includes dried fruits, nuts, banana and  milk. In India, flavoured milks are quite popular all year round and different varieties are prepared depending on the region and weather. If your growing up kids are not in a mood to eat especially during the scorching heat in the summers,  make this a milkshake for them. It was a perfect summer cooler, healthy, filling and nutritious. This Dry Fruit Banana Smoothie is my new favourite drink! It is a healthy drink full of nutrientsis

From boosting your immune system to providing a punch of antioxidants, dry fruit banana milkshakes/ smoothies offer numerous health benefits due to the presence of dry fruits. This is because dried fruits and bananas are –

📝High in vitamins and minerals that support bone health.

📝Rich in dietary fibers that help regulate the digestive system. They are also filling, and this prevents mindless snacking.

📝A good source of antioxidants and help reduce inflammation.

📝High in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats lower the risk of heart disease.

📝Banana contains both "quick-release glucose and slow-release fructose". 

📝Banana is a storehouse of good carbs. Banana helps induce weight loss.

📝 Banana is one of the most common fruits, present in every household. 

📝 Dry fruits such as dates, raisins, figs, etc., provide essential nutrients that are rich in fiber and are a good source of antioxidants. The natural sweetener in these fruits can eliminate the need to add sugar to smoothies or milkshakes.

This milkshake is delicious, packed with nutrients like protein, iron, calcium, and is great for boosting energy levels. You can also drink this milkshake during fasting or vrat seasons. This milkshake is very filling so I usually skip a meal after drinking it.It is healthy, fulfilling and a staple across the globe. You may either have it as is or can whip up delicious sweet and savoury dishes with this versatile fruit. Banana has always been stereotyped to be a weight-gaining fruit. But the fact is that it may actually help you lose weight, if taken with a well-balanced meal. It includes zero percent fat and is enriched with good carbs, fibre and protein that helps strengthen muscles and bones. Best for kids to take in the morning to keep them full and fueled.

I got recipe request from my hubby for this dry fruits and banana milkshake. So made and clicked last month. In spite the fact it is not having any ice cream in this milkshake, it turns out thick and rich because of the dry fruit nuts and banana in it. But if you want, you can add a scoop of ice cream too for tempting your kids.

One of the most popular options for a healthy breakfast, this smoothie is a perfect blend of health and taste. Have it as your first meal or as a mid-day treat, this drink fills you up to the fullest. Have it in controlled portions, banana helps you lose weight too. 

To summarize, drinking a dry fruit- banana milkshake is an easy and delicious way to include essential nutrients in your diet. Whether starting your day or refueling after a long day, a dry fruit smoothie can be both satiating and satisfying.

Would love it if you could try out and rate this recipe. Let me know how it was in the comments below. To keep updated with the recipes, stories and so much more follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube shorts @kalpanaslacucina 🥰

📌📌 Watch the full video recipe here 📌📌

INGREDIENTS :

1 Banana 

4 Badam /Almonds

4 Kaju /Cashew nuts

4-5 Pistachios

4 khajur /Dates

5-6 Khishmish / Raisins 

1 Anjeer / Dried Fig

1 Cup Milk 

Few Saffron Strands 

1 Pinch Nutmeg ( optional )

1 Cardamom ( optional )

METHOD :

STEP 1 - Firstly, soak badam, cashew, pistachios, raisins, fig, saffron, dates in 1/2 cup milk for half an hour.

STEP 2 - After that, transfer the soaked dry fruits to mixer jar with the milk.

STEP 3 - Add peeled and chopped banana and also add the remaining half cup milk 

and blend well until smooth.

STEP 4 - Add cardamom powder and nutmeg powder.

STEP 5 - Pour it in a serving glass and serve immediately.

Serve this smooth and thick milkshake immediately with some chopped nuts on the top.

NOTES -  * I have not peeled the almonds, pistachios as it adds fiber to the smoothie, however if you wish you can use peeled ones.

* You can use any milk for this recipe like dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk or oats milk.

* I prefer to use cold milk at room temperature but if you like use chilled milk or sometimes add a couple of ice cubes while blending.

* Always soak the nuts for about an hour in milk so that it is easy to grind the nuts.

* Grinding smooth or chunky depends on your preference, how you like it.

* The nuts ground chunky adds a nice texture if you love to have a texture as you drink to chew.

* Use good quality dates and figs for the best flavour. I would suggest pitted dates for this recipe as they are easier to chop, and it will save you some time as you won’t have to deseed them before blending.

 * You may have some trouble blending them even after soaking. So you can skip it or chop it and then add it.

* You can add other nuts like pine nuts, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts.

* You can also flavour the smoothie with ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or 1 to 2 pinches of nutmeg or ¼ teaspoon of rose or kewra water.

* Use ripe banana for this smoothie.

* Instead of sugar , you can add castor honey or brown sugar.