Berry, Chia, and Mint Smoothie Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), fresh or frozen</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml plant-based milk (almond, oat, or coconut)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20g fresh mint leaves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp chia seeds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 banana, preferably frozen</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml water or coconut water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 ice cubes (if using fresh berries)</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">High-speed blender</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Measuring cups and spoons</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by soaking the chia seeds in 60ml of water or plant milk for about 10 minutes. This creates a gel-like consistency that will help thicken your smoothie naturally while making the omega-3 fatty acids more bioavailable.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Rinse the mint leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. Remove the leaves from the stems, measuring about 20g of leaves. The aromatic oils in mint are released when the leaves are broken down, so tearing them slightly before adding to the blender will enhance their flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>If you're using fresh berries, wash them gently and remove any stems. For an extra-cold smoothie, you can freeze fresh berries on a baking sheet for 30 minutes before blending – this creates a thicker texture without diluting the flavors as ice would.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the soaked chia seeds, berries, mint leaves, banana, and your choice of plant milk to the blender. If using fresh berries, add the ice cubes now. The frozen banana acts as a natural thickener, creating a creamier texture without dairy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add the sweetener if desired, though the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and berries often makes additional sweeteners unnecessary. Start with less – you can always add more to taste after blending.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add water or coconut water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The smoothie should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but pourable.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Pour into glasses and garnish with additional berries, a sprinkle of chia seeds, and a fresh mint sprig. Consume immediately for the best flavor and texture; the enzymes in fresh fruit begin to break down quickly after blending.</li></ol>