A high protein red bean smoothie made with sweet dates and berries for a delicious blend!
This healthy red bean smoothie is dairy-free and vegan friendly.
For recipe variations and other tips, scroll past the recipe to learn more about the smoothie!
Red Bean Smoothie (3 Ways)
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup/110g of kidney beans from a can, washed.
- 1/2 cup/75g of frozen mixed berries
- 1 cup/240ml of dairy free milk I used almond
- 4 dates pitted
- 1 tsp of oats
- 1 tsp of peanut butter or nut-free butters, such as sunflower seed butter
Instructions
- Drain the can of kidney beans, and wash the beans thoroughly. Measure 2/3 cup.
- Prepare the rest of the ingredients too as listed.
- Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender starting with the frozen fruit and beans.
- Blend for 3-4 minutes, until you reach smooth consistency.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Why Add Beans To Smoothies?
Adding beans to smoothies is not a common thing, but there are many benefits to it.
Some benefits of adding beans to smoothies include:
- Protein Boost:
- Beans are a rich source of plant-based protein, making your smoothie more satisfying and filling.
- Fiber Content:
- High fiber content in beans promotes digestive health and helps keep you feeling full for longer, aiding in weight management.
- Slow Release of Energy:
- The complex carbohydrates in beans provide a steady release of energy, preventing rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes.
- Nutrient Density:
- Beans are packed with essential nutrients such as iron, potassium, and folate, contributing to overall nutritional balance.
- Creamy Texture:
- When blended, beans can add a creamy texture to your smoothie.
- Blood Sugar Regulation:
- The combination of fiber and protein in beans can help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a suitable addition for those with diabetes or those aiming for stable energy throughout the day.
- Heart Health:
- Beans contain soluble fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
- Versatility:
- Beans are versatile and can complement various smoothie flavors. Their mild taste allows them to blend well with fruits, vegetables, and other smoothie ingredients.
- Plant-Based Goodness:
- For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, adding beans to smoothies provides an additional source of plant-based nutrients.
What Does Red Bean Shake Taste Like?
The red bean smoothie offers a delightful blend of flavors. The smoothie is thick and sweet, but it has savory notes to it.
Kidney beans in the smoothie provide a subtle earthiness, complemented by the sweet and tangy notes from the berries.
The almond milk adds a creamy texture, while the dates provide natural sweetness, with hints of caramel.
The peanut butter introduces a nutty background taste.
Together, these elements create a harmonious tasty smoothie, which is smooth, mildly sweet, and satisfyingly rich.
Red Bean Smoothie 3 Ways:
Red beans and beans in general blend well with many flavors, making this smoothie easy to customize.
I have tested numerous versions of this smoothie, so I am sharing the different ways of making this bean smoothie that worked the best:
#1. Make It Chocolatey
To make a chocolate smoothie with beans, use the exact same ingredients listed in the recipe, but add an additional tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Beans and chocolate work very well together; counterbalanced by the sweetness of dates and berries, they create a deliciously sweet, chocolatey blend!
#2. Make The Bean Smoothie Higher In Protein
A serving of the original version of this red kidney bean smoothie contains 14g of protein per serving.
For a higher protein alternative of the recipe, either add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt as an addition to the original ingredients listed, or a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
The choice is entirely up to you; some people prefer to avoid protein powders, so if that’s the case, use yogurt.
#3. Don’t Like It Sweet? Make It a Savory Bean Smoothie
Savory smoothies are a thing, and many people prefer them.
If you prefer a savory version of this red bean shake, here are the ingredient swaps you will need to make:
- Swap the strawberries for carrots. Preferably use cooked carrots (steamed or boiled).
- Replace the dates for 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.
- With the peanut butter and milk, just make sure you use unsweetened versions.
The result is a low sugar, high fiber, high protein savory smoothie, rich in Vitamin A from the carrots and many other nutrients from the other ingredients.
Commonly Asked Questions & Answers From The Smoothie Community
When I shared the video recipe for this bean smoothie on my YouTube channel, I received several questions.
Below are the most common questions I got, and their answers:
Is The Legume Smoothie Good For Weight Loss?
Yes, this bean smoothie can be useful for weight loss due to its low calorie count and high amount of protein per serving, which helps keep you full.
Can I Use Chickpeas Instead Of Kidney Beans?
Yes, the smoothie can be made with other legumes of choice, including chickpeas. The quantities are the same, regardless of whether you use chickpeas or beans.
Can I Cook My Own Beans Instead Of Using Canned?
Cooking your own beans is absolutely possible. The only thing to keep in mind if you do cook your own, is to ensure they are fully cooled before adding them to your smoothie.
When Is Best To Drink The Bean Smoothie?
Any time is suitable, but having it for breakfast can enhance satiety, curbing hunger throughout the day. It also offers a a lot of nutrients, which can be more beneficial to your body after a night of fasting. Therefore, breakfast could be an ideal choice.
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