Passion Fruit and Papaya Smoothie
A refreshing and nutritious tropical smoothie made with papaya, passion fruit, mint, and yogurt.
Ingredients
- 1 small ripe papaya peeled and seeded
- 2 passion fruits pulp scooped out
- 6 fresh mint leaves
- 3 oz low-fat yogurt
- ½ cup chilled mineral water
- Ice cubes optional
Instructions
- Peel and chop the papaya into chunks. Halve the passion fruits and scoop out the pulp.
- In a blender, combine the papaya, passion fruit pulp, mint leaves, yogurt, and mineral water. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass filled with ice cubes. Garnish with a slice of papaya and a sprig of mint.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Frozen Fruits: For a thicker, frostier smoothie, use frozen papaya chunks. You can also freeze passion fruit pulp in ice cube trays for easy use.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If the smoothie is too tart, add a drizzle of honey, agave syrup, or a splash of coconut water for natural sweetness.
- Blending Technique: Start blending on low speed and gradually increase to high to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Yogurt: Swap low-fat yogurt with Greek yogurt for extra creaminess or use dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut yogurt.
- Mint: If fresh mint isn’t available, a small pinch of dried mint or a drop of mint extract can work in a pinch.
- Mineral Water: Replace mineral water with coconut water for added tropical flavor or plain water if you prefer a lighter taste.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
- Make Ahead: Prepare the smoothie ingredients (except yogurt and water) in advance and store them in the freezer. Blend with yogurt and water when ready to serve.
- Serving Ideas: Serve in a hollowed-out papaya half for a fun, tropical presentation. Add a sprinkle of chia seeds or granola for extra texture.
Expert Advice
- Papaya Ripeness: Choose papayas that are mostly yellow and slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor. Overripe papayas can make the smoothie too sweet.
- Passion Fruit Pulp: If fresh passion fruit is hard to find, look for frozen or canned passion fruit pulp in the international aisle of your grocery store.
- Dietary Adaptations: For a vegan version, skip the yogurt and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Add a banana for creaminess.