 |
| Easy Roasted Mint Smoothie Recipe (Greek) |
Introduction
I still remember the first time I tasted something like this on a narrow street in Thessaloniki—a small café handed me a chilled glass of mint forward goodness that tasted smoky and bright all at once. Roasting the mint leaves gives the drink a clever sexy trick that gives them a whisper of caramelized flavor. The Roasted Mint Smoothie (Greek) would take a classic Mediterranean dish and infuse it with whimsical elements of Greece café culture where simple ingredients become masterpieces.
Whether you are in the searing summer of Chicago in dire need for something other than iced tea, or in the ever charming Lisbon after a long walk where the sun used to shine, this smoothie is for you. The Easy Roasted Mint Smoothie feels relatively authentic, it’s a lovely way to introduce a subtle, roasted note to your usual blender repertoire. All that is needed is a high speed blender and the ingredients. The ingredients are in the section below for this Roasted Mint Smoothie.
Ingredients
-This drink is simple and bright. These ingredients should be in everyone’s pantry. It is a slightly forgiving recipe that is perfect for relaxing in.
-Fresh mint leaves (no stems): 30 g (1 cup packed)
-Greek yogurt (plain): 250 g (1 cup) — full-fat for creamy texture, low-fat is fine too
-Milk or any plant Milk: 240 ml (1 cup) — any Milk, oat or Almond
-Honey or sugar: 2/3 tbsp (30-45 ml) — Vegan? use maple syrup
-Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (15 ml) — roughly 1/2 a lemon
-Neutral Roasting Oil: 1 tsp (5 ml) — or a dry pan for toasting
-Ice Cubes: 1 to 2 cups (240-480 ml) depending on your preferred thickness/chill
-A pinch of sea salt
-Optional: 50 g / 1.75 oz cucumber for added freshness, or a few crushed pistachios for garnish.
Preparation Steps
-Roast the mint leaves.
In a dry, heated pan on med, roast the mint leaves for around 1-2 mins, or until lightly browned. Optional: toss with 1 tsp of oil for deeper flavor. Let cool.
-Prep your blender with the dry toast mint leaves.
-In your blender jar, Greek yogurt, milk, honey (start with 2 tbsp), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt go.
-Add the roasted mint and optional cucumber
Blender time. Add the cooled roasted mint leaves and cucumber (if using). Remember the roasted mint leaves are the most important, so keep the flavor.
-Blend until smooth and frothy
-Add ice cubes and blend on high for 30-60 seconds until silky and slightly foamy. You might need to scrape the sides.
-Taste and adjust sweetness/texture
Frankly, the smoothie needs to be sampled. If it’s not sweet enough, add ½-1 Tbsp more, or a splash more lemon for a bright balance. If the smoothie is too thick, blend in to ¼ cup (60 ml) more milk.
-Strain for a finer texture (optional)
If you want an ultra- smooth finish, pour the smoothie through a fine sieve into a jug. Gently press with a spoon.
-Serve with a garnish and enjoy
The smoothie needs to be poured into chilled glasses. You can add crushed pistachios, a sprig of fresh mint, or serve plain. It should be served right away.
Tips & Variations
-Make it vegan: Instead of using Greek yogurt, replace it with thick coconut or soy yogurt, and use maple syrup. This keeps it creamy while also being plant based.
-Give it a Greek twist: Stir in a spoonful of labneh, or a little bit of mastiha (if you have it) for a hint of authentic Greek flavor.
-Spice it up: Add a very thin slice of fresh ginger or a tiny pinch of ground cardamom for some warming depth and complexity.
-Texture changes: To make a thicker, smoothie-like drink, use frozen banana or less milk. For a lighter, more refreshing drink, add more ice or top with sparkling water right before serving.
-Save the mint: Leftover roasted mint can be used to flavor syrups and cocktails, or it can be mixed with whipped yogurt.
Closing
This Roasted Mint Smoothie (Greek) is a pleasure to drink and is an excellent way to incorporate simple Mediterranean flavors with refreshing taste. This easy roasted mint smoothie will make you feel special, and it’s ideal for relaxing brunches, a post-dinner treat, or an afternoon refresher on hot days. For all the those wondering how to make Roasted Mint Smoothie and have it taste like a drink from a café by the sea, the little trick of roasting the mint is what makes it extraordinary and unforgettable.
Try out this ‘Traditional Roasted Mint Smoothie’ recipe, share it with friends, and check back for more international recipes! Go ahead, bookmark this Roasted Mint Smoothie recipe, and, try the different ideas you can come up with variations, your next favorite cold drink could be just one pan away.