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Green Smoothie With Cucumber and Cumin
![Green Smoothie With Cucumber and Cumin](https://cdn.statically.io/img/static01.nyt.com/images/2014/04/29/science/02recipehealth/02recipehealth-articleLarge.jpg?width=1280&quality=75&auto=webp)
- Total Time
- 2 minutes
- Rating
- Notes
- Read community notes
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Ingredients
- 1cup kefir
- ½cup chopped celery
- 1cup chopped cucumber (seedless) (about 5 ounces)
- 2tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1tablespoon fresh mint leaves
- ½cup, tightly packed, greens such as kale, chard, spinach
- 1quarter-size slice ginger, peeled
- ½teaspoon chia seeds
- ½teaspoon lightly toasted cumin seeds
- 2teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of cayenne (more to taste)
Preparation
- Step 1
Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed for 1 minute. Serve.
Private Notes
Cooking Notes
After a month of rather heavy quarantine-anxiety cooking and eating, this really hit the spot. I used some outer leaves of romaine for the greens and skipped the chia seeds. It makes one large smoothie, which is, of course, a very light, but tasty and refreshing meal.
I did not love this smoothie at room temperature, but chilled it was refreshing & savory. Try sprinkling flake salt (smoked or not) on top.
A savory smoothie indeed, but I have 2 small quibbles. Prep time is more like 20 minutes, and I would hesitate to call this 1 "generous" serving. It makes for one very, very light meal. I left out the celery because I can't stand it.
I made this several times as is, and LOVE it. So refreshing. I agree with other reviewers that say it is better chilled. Lately I’ve started subbing the lemon juice and cayenne for about 1/2 cup of Wild Brine Korean Kimchi. It adds a tasty amount of salt, tartness, and spiciness with the benefit of additional veg and healthy bacteria.
You need this in your life. Make it now.
I add 1/2 whole lemon instead of only juice and sub turmeric & black pepper for the ginger. It’s good w/o the kefir and only water. Really filling, low calorie, nutrient dense, and refreshing
Oh my, this is good. My only substitutes were: - only used the seedy parts and juice of cucumbers saved from another recipe - quadrupled the greens, using only kale - regular cumin powder because I’m lazy I was not expecting much but this really surprised me. Thanks Martha!
Substituted kefir with yoghurt and added a little salt.
What would be a good substitute for the kefir if you're dairy free? Cashews or other nuts/nut butter?
Earlier posters suggested almond milk and coconut water.
Yum! I made a few modifications: —Vanilla coconut yogurt subbed for kefir —Pea sprouts subbed for celery (celery really tends to overpower juices with its flavor; you either love it or hate it!) —No cumin —A full meyers lemon instead of just 2 tsp —Added 4-8oz water to blend better —Added the chia after blending because they give it a fun crunch So much yum! I’ll be making this again for sure. It’s definitely filling, and I couldn’t eat for the next few hours, even if I wanted to.
I have a juicer sitting on my counter that I rarely use. I'm thinking I will juice the celery, cucumber, and lemon and use that liquid in place of the kefir since I don't eat dairy. The fiber from the juiced produce will go in the blender with the rest of the ingredients. Excited to try it! Thank you, Martha. I am a huge fan of your healthy recipes!
This was so good. Didn’t have ginger but wasn’t missed - enough other interesting flavors going on. Serve over ice!
I add 1/2 whole lemon instead of only juice and sub turmeric & black pepper for the ginger. It’s good w/o the kefir and only water. Really filling, low calorie, nutrient dense, and refreshing
I made this several times as is, and LOVE it. So refreshing. I agree with other reviewers that say it is better chilled. Lately I’ve started subbing the lemon juice and cayenne for about 1/2 cup of Wild Brine Korean Kimchi. It adds a tasty amount of salt, tartness, and spiciness with the benefit of additional veg and healthy bacteria.
Subbed coconut water for dairy, slivered almonds for chia seeds, and added ice-cubes to the nutri ninja because ice is why you have the machine.
Followed the recipe and poured it straight from the blender, so it was basically room temperature. It was fine, but I concur with previous comments to chill and add a pinch of salt - it tasted much better after this. Green, bright, and the cayenne brings a satisfying heat! Might add extra mint next time.
Using almond milk removes all dairy, and I added some frozen yellow watermelon I had on hand to chill the drink. My first savory smoothie, and I will make this again!
You need this in your life. Make it now.
My first savory smoothie ever! I was looking for something to do with all the cucumbers from the garden. I added ice cubes and used Greek yogurt and a little water since I didn’t have kefir on hand. Tasted good and made me feel good too.
I did not love this smoothie at room temperature, but chilled it was refreshing & savory. Try sprinkling flake salt (smoked or not) on top.
After a month of rather heavy quarantine-anxiety cooking and eating, this really hit the spot. I used some outer leaves of romaine for the greens and skipped the chia seeds. It makes one large smoothie, which is, of course, a very light, but tasty and refreshing meal.
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