I have been called the” açaí queen” on more than one occasion, mostly because I have it so often, but also because I treat my açaí bowls like an artist would treat their art. My açaí has to be perfect every time. If I am missing one ingredient I would rather just not make it at all.
Some of you might be wondering at this point “what is açaí?”. Açaî is an indigenous berry from the Amazon rainforests in Brazil. It is often referred to as a “superfood” among health professionals due to the high level of antioxidants that are found in these berries. You can find them at most grocery stores, but make sure you buy the unsweetened kind!
I fell in love with açaí back when I was living in Australia, where it seemed to be an option on every single breakfast menu. I continued making it religiously for the past 6 years and have perfected it to my taste. I love changing up the toppings but it will always have- homemade granola, fresh berries, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, and almond butter.
I love how many nutrients I am able to pack into one bowl. It’s also such a joy to make food that is so pretty to look at.
Protein Açaí
Ingredients
- For the Açaí:
- 1 handful spinach (you won’t be able to taste it)
- 1 frozen ripe banana (must be frozen, must be ripe)
- 1/3 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/3 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 frozen, unsweetened, açaí packet
- 1 scoop of your favorite unsweetened, vegan protein (I like trader joe’s pea protein)
- 1/4 cup almond milk For the toppings:
- 3 strawberries, cut into quarters
- 1 handful fresh blueberries
- a few fresh raspberries
- 1/2 fresh ripe banana, sliced
- 2 tbsp granola (check out my granola recipe)
- 1 tsp cacao nibs
- 1 tsp coconut flakes
- 1 tsp/ 1 tbsp almond butter (or any nut butter)
Directions
- In a blender, add the spinach, frozen banana, frozen blueberries, frozen raspberries, açaí packet, protein powder, and almond milk.
- Blend until smooth, if your blender isn’t the strongest, you might need more almond milk. Use as little as possible, we want the texture to be more like ice cream than a smoothie.
- Pour the açaí into a bowl, smooth it out with a spoon, and top with the toppings in any design you want! Personally I do it in this order: granola, fruit, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, and almond butter.
- Enjoy!
- Feel free to add even more nutrition to this bowl. I sometimes like to add ashwagandha powder or spirulina!
- Go wild with the toppings, the ones listed above are my go-to’s, but they change all the time.
- Have a bunch of frozen bananas in your freezer at all times. They make the best smoothies, “nice creams”, and smoothie bowls.
Tips & Tricks:
