Meet the Kardashian of the food world…the Açaí berry. There’s been a lot of talk about the wonders of this berry over recent years… Although much of the information about it has been hyped up by the celebrity world (a bit like Kim Kardashian herself), there is some merit in the labeling of Açaí  as a Superfood.

Of course, the tabloids would have  you believe that the benefits of Açaí  are huge…a bit like Kim’s behind…. but the reality may be a little different.

Currently, there is lots of research being conducted on the merits of the small juicy fruits, but one thing is for certain, they contain heaps of antioxidants, along with several other vitamins and minerals. But most importantly, they contain anthocyanins and flavonoids which help combat free radicals in the body (antiaging and anti-carcinogous properties).

So, what does this all mean?? In a nutshell, based on current info…they are a great addition to your diet, provided the form of Açaí  you purchase is relatively free of fillers and other additives. Here at H&T Kitchen, we will keep an eye out for any new info…and keep you posted (pardon the pun).

For some time now we have been seeing the Açaí  smoothie bowl pop at our local yogurt bar, juicery, local health food store etc etc.

There are three main components of the perfect smoothie bowl …

1. The Base… You need dry ingredients that will keep the smoothie thick (you do not want your topping sinking to the bottom). These ingredients can include, chopped nuts, oats, seeds,  coconut, or chia seeds.
2. Natural Sweetness… for sweetness a selection of fruit and berries is required. Açaí berry such as Sambazon Acai is not a sweet berry therefore do not rely on this fruit to sweeten your smoothie bowl.
3. Liquid… to assist with combining all the ingredients, loosen the thickness and cream the smoothie a liquid ingredient needs to be added (can also contribute to further sweetness) can be a milk based ingredient (dairy or non-dairy), yogurt, natural juice or coconut beverage such as Coco Quench.

 

This recipe is for a basic smoothie bowl using non-dairy ingredients, however you can add a non-sweetened natural yogurt such as  Jalna Biodynamic Yogurt if dairy isn’t an issue for you.

What you will need (for two)

1 cup oats

1 cup desiccated coconut or your own freshly grated coconut

1 cup coconut milk

1 banana

2 cups frozen berries

2 tbs Açaí  powder or 2 sachet’s frozen Açaí

1 tbs Chia seeds

1 tbs Phsyllium husks (optional)

1 tbs Maple syrup (optional)

Dash of ground cinnamon

Topping

You can use a selection of seasonal fruits or berries to top your smoothie bowl. We also like to add nuts or seeds such almonds, pepitas or linseed.

Preparation

Using a high powered blender (we suggest nutri-bullet or thermomix).  Combine all ingredients and blitz until all ingredients have broken down and blended into a thick paste. If you are using a thermomix, chop speed 5 / 15 seconds.

Transfer into small bowls.

Top with fresh fruits, nuts and seeds.

Enjoy the energy boost…..all day long 😉