If you fancy a healthy, super-creamy milkshake then it must be said… cashew nuts work wonders. They are excellent for those on a plant-based diet or those looking for healthier options; creaming up really well, satisfying the desire for something rich and delicious.
Cashews are packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein and loads of health-promoting phyto-chemicals that help protect us from diseases and cancers. Cashews contain a very healthy amount of the mineral copper, which is essential for assimilating iron in the body. Copper is also excellent for managing bones, connective tissues, and skin health too. Pretty essential for the body I would think!
Cashews are good for magnesium, which is very important for healthy bones. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant, helping to lower blood pressure, helping to lower instances of migraine attacks, helping with heart health and asthma.
In today’s recipe, I’ve added cardamom seeds and cinnamon because I adore the way that they tease the taste buds, whilst giving an exciting, warming, spicy zing.
Cardamom is a little power-packed healthy gem. It is well known in Ayurvedic circles as a powerful digestive aid, considered especially beneficial to reduce bloating and intestinal gas. It is also a great detoxification aid, with potent diuretic properties. Cardamom is top-notch for oral health, as well as being good at lifting our spirits, lowering blood pressure and acting strongly against pathogens. This zingy spice is a great antioxidant which has proven anti-cancer benefits. You can read all about Cardamon in my article here: All About Cardamom And Its Health Benefits
A rich, creamy smoothie like the one I am sharing in this recipe works really well as a refreshing mid-morning or afternoon treat. I do, however, enjoy it for breakfast… as it tends to keep me feeling full all the way until lunch time.
As an alternative, if you want to go for a decadent thicker ‘smoothie’, then just replace the regular banana with a frozen one and mix in a few organic chocolate chips at the end.
Ok, let’s make this delicious treat!
Creamy Cardamon & Cashew Milkshake
A thick satisfying cashew, vanilla and spice milkshake, using organic, plant-based ingredients.
Ingredients
- 50g (handful) cashew nuts
- 2 organic dates (pitted)
- 200ml water (to soak)
- 1 large ripe banana
- 1 cardamom pod
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 250ml (1 cup) rice milk
Instructions
Soak the cashew nuts and dates in the water over night (or for at least an hour to make them easier to blend). If you have a high powdered blender, then you can actually miss out the soaking stage if you prefer.
Once done, drain and discard the water and place the cashew nuts and dates in a jug for blending.
Open the cardamom pod, discard the skin and then crush the seeds with a pestle & mortar (or by repeatedly crushing and chopping over them with a sharp heavy knife).
Add the banana, crushed cardamom, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract and rice milk into the jug and blend everything together until creamy smooth.
Enjoy right away.
Pin for later…
For more delicious healthy plant-based drink ideas check out my page here:
This looks good but I think I’d use lowfat coconut milk instead of rice milk, for that rich creamy texture!
Ahhh good old coconut milk. I use in coconut in most of my other recipes, so I thought I’d have a quick change today – but yes, asbolutely, coconut milk is awesome in this recipe too.
This sounds absolutely yummy! One question….I live in rural Manitoba and my shopping options are limited. And shipping is very expensive. I didn’t even know what Cardamom was and had to google 🙂 I see it’s related to ginger and turmeric….would either or both of those used in place make a similar taste?
Well how wonderful to have you tuning in from rural Manitoba Adrienne 🙂
I wouldn’t go for turmeric in this recipe although a teeny bit of ginger would probably work well. I am a bit partial to cardamom and couldn’t resist putting it in the recipe, althoughl eaving it out altogether would also give you a delicious tasting smoothie.
I’m always eager to add anything anti-inflammatory to my recipes 🙂
When someone posted your blueberry lemon fudge on Facebook I followed a delicious rabbit trail! For much of my life I’ve eaten out of boxes and bags 😉 Chronic health issues has led me to an anti-inflammatory diet and I’ve found myself on a whole-food health kick the last 5 months and loving it! Sadly until 2 years ago I lived an hour from Toronto and had endless options for shopping. Now that I actually want to eat healthy I’m far more limited.
A delicious trail indeed 🙂
You’ll naturally find a lot of anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger and hemp seed oil in my recipes. Everything is totally plant-based. You might find that you can order some of the dried stuff that you want online.