I make savory green smoothies on a regular basis around here, especially in the winter when I'm craving fresh vegetables. I like V-8 juice and this is my healthier twist on it. I believe fresh garlic is good for you and this smoothie is a tasty way to get some fresh garlic into my diet. It adds just enough kick!
I start with a good-quality tomato juice base. My favorite is Whole Foods' 365 Organic Tomato Juice. I like its flavor the best (though it's from concentrate) and it goes on sale frequently. I've used many kinds, however, including V-8. This summer, I plan to can my own tomato juice for the sole purpose of making more of these smoothies next winter. I'll dream of my summer tomato patch while I sip this flavorful concoction.
To make one, I add a big glug of tomato juice (2 Cups?), some fresh greens (kale, spinach, lettuce leaves, or dandelion greens), a celery stalk, a clove or two of garlic, 1 T. fresh lemon juice, and 2 T. flax seeds to my blender (though I use my Vita-mix, you can use a regular blender for this one). I find that this mixture is very forgiving so you can add many vegetables, such as cucumber, cabbage, bell pepper, basil, a hot pepper(!), etc. It will change the taste a bit but it's always good! I also add water to get things moving (1 Cup?).
On cold days, I add warm water to this smoothie. A warm and savory smoothie is very soothing in that Campbell's-Tomato-Soup-on-a-cold-day sort of way--- only healthier.
In fact, we've even used the warm version of this smoothie as a soup! Mmmm. I think I added a bit of cheese and a sun-dried tomato to that blend. I send these in my family's lunches, as well.
:: Okay enough about food, I'll have a post soon about my quick and easy wool skirt I made myself... So warm and cozy on these cold days we're experiencing!
