A berry smoothie with oatmeal is a fantastic way to combine the sweetness of berries with the heartiness of oats, making for a satisfying and nutritious breakfast or snack. The oatmeal adds fiber and helps keep you full longer. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious berry oatmeal smoothie:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen; strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a combination)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 1/2 banana (for natural sweetness and creaminess)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) or regular yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond, soy, or oat milk) or water
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A few ice cubes (optional, especially if using fresh berries)
Instructions:
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Prepare Oats:
- If you have time, soak the rolled oats in the milk or water for about 10-15 minutes before blending. This makes them softer and easier to blend. If you're short on time, you can add them directly to the blender, but soaking will give a smoother texture.
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Prepare Ingredients:
- Wash the berries if using fresh. If using frozen berries, you can use them straight from the freezer.
- Peel and slice the banana if using.
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Blend:
- In a blender, combine the soaked oats, berries, banana, Greek yogurt (if using), and milk (or water).
- Blend on high until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk or water to reach your desired consistency. For a colder smoothie, add a few ice cubes and blend again.
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Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding honey or maple syrup. You can also add a bit more fruit or a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
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Serve:
- Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately. Garnish with a few extra berries or a sprinkle of oats if desired.
Tips:
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats for better texture. You can also use steel-cut oats if you soak them longer.
- Berry Variety: Feel free to mix and match different berries based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Add-Ins: For extra nutrients, you can add a handful of spinach or kale, a spoonful of chia seeds, or a scoop of protein powder.
This berry smoothie with oatmeal is a nutritious and filling option that combines the benefits of fruits and whole grains. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures!
