NUT-FREE PB&J SMOOTHIE
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This is one awesome smoothie! It really tastes like peanut butter & strawberry jam except that it's jam and nut-free! Instead of PB&J, it contains sunflower seed butter and frozen strawberries.
Sunflowers are native to North America where they have been harvested for millennia. Sunflower seed butter (SSB) is made from grinding roasted sunflower seeds. Consider making your own — see my recipe for SUN+ BUTTER — or find one that is minimally processed. SSB has gotten more popular in recent years as a nut-free* alternative to peanut butter.
SSB is rich in protein (3 grams per tablespoon) and healthy fats, as well as vitamin E and essential minerals like magnesium and manganese. I have added chia seeds (optional) for an additional nutrient and fibre boost. Flax seeds could also be used.
For 2 servings, blend together until smooth:
1 to 1 1/2 cups dairy or nondairy milk, adjusted to desired consistency (I like to use my Almond Cow to make homemade plant-based milk)
1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries (or use part steamed-then-frozen cauliflower)
2 to 4 Tbsp sunflower seed butter*
1 to 2 Tbsp chia seeds (optional)
pinch of salt (omit if sunflower seed butter is salted)
Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, pure stevia, raw honey (nonvegan), or maple syrup, adjusted to taste (optional)
To make this shake into a 'real meal deal', add your protein booster of choice, with additional milk as needed to achieve desired consistency. Good options include one or more of the following:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-vegan)
2 Tbsp Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla or Just Natural protein powder
2 Tbsp Further Food vanilla or regular collagen peptides (non-vegan)
*Note: If peanut or tree nut allergies are a concern, you must confirm that the sunflower butter has been made in a nut-free facility.
