Blood Orange Smoothie With Grapes and Red Quinoa

By Martha Rose Shulman

Published March 11, 2015

  • Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
5 to 10 minutes
Rating
4(31)
Comments
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I had never considered using red grapes in a smoothie until I began working on pairing fruit with grains in this week’s Recipes for Health. Red grapes and red quinoa are a perfect match. I used blood orange juice as the liquid and sweetened it with a bit of pomegranate molasses. As the mixture was whirling in the blender it occurred to me that a small handful of kale would be welcome; it would darken the color slightly and contribute all that kale has to offer without distorting the sweet/tannic flavor of the drink. The second time I made the smoothie I froze the grapes, which is a great idea. Then you won’t have to dilute the flavors with ice.

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Ingredients

Yield:1 to 2 servings

  • ⅓ cup cooked red quinoa

  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, preferably frozen (6 ounces)

  • 1 cup blood orange juice (or regular orange juice if blood oranges are not available)

  • 1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses

  • 2 tablespoons soaked cashews

  • Small handful of kale

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 to 2 servings)

40 grams carbs; 210 calories; 2 grams monosaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 5 grams fat; 2 grams fiber; 8 milligrams sodium; 4 grams protein; 27 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place all of the ingredients in the jar of a blender and blend at high speed until smooth. Serve right away.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
31 user ratings
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Comments

blisssu

I make this nutritious smoothie often, and I no longer add the dates mentioned in my first review. Today, I didn't have any cooked quinoa ready, so I used some cooked brown rice. The quinoa is better, but the rice is fine too. Also added 1/2 tablespoon (soaked) chia seed. When blood oranges aren't available, I use regular oj, but today I used 3 peeled tangerines and about 1/8 cup oj--superior! The distinctive tangerine flavor complements the local grapes I froze last fall.

Lauren

Surprisingly good!

Kel

I am usually a fan of recipes from MRS, but this has way too much sugar to be considered a healthy smoothie.

blisssu

I make this nutritious smoothie often, and I no longer add the dates mentioned in my first review. Today, I didn't have any cooked quinoa ready, so I used some cooked brown rice. The quinoa is better, but the rice is fine too. Also added 1/2 tablespoon (soaked) chia seed. When blood oranges aren't available, I use regular oj, but today I used 3 peeled tangerines and about 1/8 cup oj--superior! The distinctive tangerine flavor complements the local grapes I froze last fall.

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