Pumpkin-Turmeric Smoothie

You know when you buy a can of pumpkin purée to make a pie or a loaf cake and there’s always that pesky little bit leftover?

This recipe is perfect for that.

This super-simple pumpkin smoothie recipe has a flavour profile that is a cross between a pumpkin pie and a golden milk latté (a hot beverage made with steamed milk, turmeric and spices). Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can have a positive effect on conditions like arthritis and even aid in enhancing recover and performance after exercise. Don’t skip the black pepper here! It may seem odd, but pepper helps your body better absorb the curcumin from the turmeric.

Frozen banana adds some sweetness to this smoothie, and together with the pumpkin purée creates a deliciously smooth, pudding-like texture. I like to add protein powder to make this both thicker, and more filling, but do you!

makes 1 smoothie

1/3 cup pumpkin puree, unsweetened

1/2 a banana, frozen

1 scoop of vegan or whey plain or vanilla protein powder

1 cup of oat milk, almond milk, or milk of choice

1 tsp of golden milk latté spice or 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/8 tsp each of nutmeg and black pepper

2 tbsp Greek yoghurt, swirled through, optional

*Add a tsp of maple syrup or 1 date if you’d like it sweeter.

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.