Fresh Fig Protein Smoothie


Creamy, protein-packed, dessert-like smoothie.


بِسْــــــــــــــــــــــمِ اﷲِارَّحْمَنِ ارَّحِيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
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 Do you like Figs? I sure do.

My husband's cousin has a  few different types of fig trees in their yard. And I find myself constantly bombarded with beautiful fresh figs every day. I didn't grow up knowing what a delicious treat fresh figs are. The figs that I knew of were of the hard, chewy, dried and that that powdery substance covering them. BLAH! But since moving to Algeria, I've come to know how delicious and healthy these little gems are.

Figs known as "Karmouss "(or el karmoussa) in the Algerian dialect of Arabic (Derdja) or in standard Arabic, known as "teen" تين. They're native to the Mediterranean region and have growing wild for more than a millennia. Figs are often referred to as the "poor man's fruit". And here in Algeria are in season from May to September, sometimes until October. Figs been sought out and cultivated since ancient times. Both fresh and dried figs are popular in Algeria. In traditional Algerian medicine, the fruit is valued as a laxative, relief fevers, asthma, haemorrhagia, epilepsy and also used as a stimulant to treat coughs. Fig fruit paste is applied to relieve from inflammations, swellings, and pain



A great way to enjoy a few fresh from the tree now while they are in season, but with the abundance of this fruit I often find myself freezing them for later use, after the season is long done and over. Frozen figs can be used in a variety of ways including in tarts, crumbles, buckles, muffins, or even in healthier ways like in salads, in dressings, on bread or even in smoothies. Today, this smoothie is creamy and so perfectly sweet example of how ripe in season figs can be. This smoothie needs no added sweetener at all. All the sweetness comes naturally from the fruit itself. You could optionally add some spices like cinnamon or cardamom if you wish, but I really wanted to fully enjoy the delicious but mild fig flavor. This smoothie has been making me happy while clammering through traffic, road blocks and construction to get my kids to school on time.

There are numerous health benefits imparted by figs. Figs are a superfood that has a high mineral content, high in fiber and are filled with potassium, calcium, iron and have traces manganese. Figs promote digestion. This benefit is especially useful in case of children and adults whose digestive system is very weak and hence, they need very soft food. Introducing figs into their diet can help in smooth digestion and aid in nutrition absorption.

Figs have been used since historic times as a natural laxative in its ripened state. Giving figs to constipation prone people regularly can be beneficial as figs contain lot of dietary fiber which adds bulk to the stool by absorbing water. The result is a smooth bowel movement. Yes! I know that was way too much info right?! LOL! Just a little hint ...figs are great for mothers who've just given birth. You'll thank me later.




๑۞๑  If figs weren't healthy enough, in this recipe I've added some natural proteins in the way of

Greek yogurt and almond butter, giving you an extra helping of about 12grams of protein per serving. Protein carries nutrients to the body, giving it energy, and helping us to feel satisfied and full. The creamy texture is like a sweet, nutty milkshake, and insanely delicious. I admit I am surprised every time I make this!
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So let's get started with the recipe.



KITCHEN TIME 🕓 ACTIVE PREP TIME : 5-8 min |   INACTIVE PREP TIME : 0  min   |  COOK TIME : 0 min 


beverages | serves 2

  Fresh Fig Protain  
Creamy, protein-packed, dessert-like smoothie. 

 


‣ 1/2 cup - 125ml unsweetened almond milk ( coconut or cow milk works fine too)‣ 1/2 cup - 120g plain Greek yogurt ۞
‣ 1 TBS almond butter‣ 5-6 fresh/frozen figs, stems removed and halved‣ Handful of ice‣ pinch of sea salt

OPTIONAL - dash or cinnamon or cardamom and sliced figs


1. Place the almond milk, figs, almond butter, salt and ice in a blender, in this order. 

2. Blend until smooth.

TO SERVE
Serve immediately.




    Storage
    ⇝ This smoothie, like most smoothie, is meant to consumed fresh. But you can prepare it early on and take it with you for a quick meal on the go. It may separate, so just shake or stir before drinking.

    Sweetness

    ⇝ Depending on your figs ripeness and type, the sweetness of the figs may vary. Ideally, such healthy smoothies don't require any added sweetening. But you really feel you must, then I guess you can. 

    Substitution 
    ⇝ 
    If you don't have access to fresh figs, you could make this with dried figs, soaking them for about 5 minutes before blitzing.


    Vegan & Vegetarian
    ⇝ 
    You could make this smoothie vegan by using a non-dairy yogurt such a coconut yogurt.

     CATEGORIES: quick & easy,  healthy, summer, beverages


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     ➤ This dessert would go beautifully with Mint Tea or an Algiers style coffee or this date milk.
    ➤ To see other North African sweets, click here.
    ➤ Or get inspired at the Recipe Index.

    WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO GET EXTRA PROTEIN IN YOUR DIET?







    2 comments:

    1. As Salaamu Alaykum Henna, my husband would go crazy for those figs! He often complains about the tastless imports we get here and how nothing compares to the fresh figs from his neighbours tree back home :) you sound like super mum doing all those school trips backwards and forwards! Baarak Allahu Feeki

      ReplyDelete
    2. I just tried this out with some banana ...mashallah it was great! Thanks for the recipe!

      ReplyDelete



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