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Start your day with a filling & flavorful vegan sweet potato smoothie. With the addition of mango and cinnamon, it has a round, layered taste you’re sure to love.
When David and I were first dating, we were really into a couple of different books about superfoods. We had this ongoing contest to see who could eat the most superfoods in a day.
Over dinner we’d name the various foods we’d had that day – spinach, blueberries, avocados, sweet potatoes… We’d compare lists and then see who won.
This friendly competition kept both of us looking for the most nutrient-dense foods that we could eat. And it put a really positive spin on eating healthy.
Instead of avoiding foods, we were trying to cram in as many nutritious things as we could.
Superfoods 24/7
If only Superfoods 24/7 by Jessica Nadel had been around at the time. It could have been our go-to cookbook.
This cookbook highlights 40 superfoods in over 100 recipes, including breakfasts, snacks, and dinners. It’s filled with beautiful photos to inspire, taken by Jackie Sobon.
While many people think only of pricey, exotic ingredients qualifying as superfoods, Jess incorporates common ones like cinnamon, coconut, kale, lentils, and pumpkin.
Cover photo by Jackie Sobon
Jessica blogs at Cupcakes and Kale.
She and I have been blogging friends for years and years. I was able to meet Jess in person finally this past summer at Vida Vegan Con in Austin.
In addition to being a whiz in the kitchen, she has the most full-hearted and infectious laugh you can imagine. It’s one of those laughs that overtakes her whole body.
Here are the things I’ve made from Superfoods 24/7:
David often starts the day with toast slathered in almond butter, jam, or both. In the summer, we get jam from a local berry grower at our farmers market.
But in the winter, we are relegated to the grocery store aisle instead. Not anymore.
This fresh berry jam was a breeze to make. And it contains just five ingredients – berries, water, maple syrup, lemon juice, and chia seeds.
The chia seeds help the jam to set up. And because the ingredients are few, you can really taste the berries inside.
Jess offers several ideas for berries. And I decided to use a bag of frozen blueberries we had in the freezer.
The jam explodes with the flavor of blueberries. It would also make an excellent ice cream topping.
For dinner earlier in the week I made hemp-crusted tofu with garlic-chili collards.
I’m always looking for new ways to prepare tofu. And I am going to be returning to this recipe often.
The tofu is quickly marinated in apple cider vinegar and tamari and then dredged in hemp seeds and spices before browning. Not only is it a fast and easy way to prepare tofu, it’s ridiculously good.
The spices and breading make it elegant enough for a dinner party, but simple enough for a quick lunch or dinner.
Vegan sweet potato smoothie
Finally, I made a vegan sweet potato smoothie with cinnamon & mango.
I’d never made a sweet potato smoothie before, but the tuber gave a lot of body to the drink. This would be especially good for people who get tired of bananas in their smoothies.
With the cinnamon and mango inside, the smoothie tasted like fall. I could see serving it to guests after apple picking with a veggie quesadilla.
Of course, it would also work any other time you might want a smoothie for a breakfast or snack.
Jessica and the publisher of Superfoods 24/7, The Experiment, have graciously offered to share the smoothie recipe with you today.
Sweet potato smoothie with mango & cinnamon
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- ½ cup chopped cooked sweet potato
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¾ cup water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon agave syrup optional
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Kathy McDonald says
January 6, 2016 at 8:10 amI am going to try this one immediately. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Cadry says
January 6, 2016 at 11:17 amMy pleasure! Thanks, Kathy!
Becky Striepe says
January 6, 2016 at 9:09 amWhat a fun flavor combination!
Cadry says
January 6, 2016 at 11:32 amIsn’t it? It’s totally different from any other smoothie I’ve had.
Amber says
January 6, 2016 at 9:11 amSweet potato smoothie? That’s intriguing. Also, you had me drooling over that tofu pic on IG. Sounds seriously delicious. Usually when people use the word superfoods you think of all the exotic ones that can be hard to find and cost a pretty penny. I love that she uses many “normal” ones, available for every day use. Will definitely be checking this one out. 🙂
Cadry says
January 6, 2016 at 11:19 amI’m so glad to hear that, Amber! I loooooved that tofu. I put the leftovers in David’s lunch today, and I had the hardest time not squirreling them away for myself instead. I’ll be repeating that one for sure!
Amy says
January 6, 2016 at 9:14 amHmm, never thought to try that but it looks pretty awesome. Can always use new ways to eat more veggies!
Cadry says
January 6, 2016 at 11:32 amAbsolutely!
Laura says
January 6, 2016 at 10:00 amI love sweet potatoes so this great. Can’t wait to try this!
Cadry says
January 6, 2016 at 11:32 amAwesome! I hope you enjoy it, Laura!
Terri Cole says
January 6, 2016 at 11:04 amI make a sweet potato pie smoothie, but would never have thought of this flavor combination. And that tofu looks delicious! Thanks for the giveaway!
Cadry says
January 6, 2016 at 11:33 amA sweet potato pie smoothie sounds delicious!
Kathy says
January 6, 2016 at 11:06 amI would like to buy her book. Is it on Amazon? I have so many foods in the freezer that I suppose qualify as superfoods (froze them at their peak last summer). I’m always looking for new recipes…can’t wait to try BOTH of these. I wonder if there will be a Vida Vegan Con on the east coast???? Would LOVE to go!!!
Kathy says
January 6, 2016 at 11:08 amOops. Just clicked on the title…yep, it’s on Amazon.
Cadry says
January 6, 2016 at 11:23 amThat’s good thinking that you froze your superfoods this summer when they were fresh. Produce is much more affordable when you buy when it’s in season.
Unfortunately, there may not be another Vida Vegan Con. The women who started it have decided to move on to other things. They put up 3 conferences – 2 in Portland and 1 in Austin. Since they have full time jobs as well, they needed a break from planning. It would be wonderful if someone else took up the charge, though, and hosted a conference for vegan bloggers. It was such a cool event, and it’s really fun to hang out with people who you only know online.
krystal says
January 6, 2016 at 11:11 amThat smoothie sounds delicious. I do have to admit I laughed at “leftover sweet potatoes.” I don’t know if that has ever happened in our house, but maybe I’ll squirrel away one or two for a smoothie next time I bake some up.
Cadry says
January 6, 2016 at 11:24 amHa! Very true! I put an extra sweet potato into the oven strictly for this purpose. 🙂
Allison says
January 6, 2016 at 12:02 pmI love sweet potato pie, so this smoothie seems like a natural extension!
Cadry says
January 7, 2016 at 10:50 amI bet you’d really enjoy this smoothie then, Allison!
Melissa says
January 6, 2016 at 12:47 pmI’ve used sweet potato in smoothies before, but usually as a sort of “sweet potato pie” smoothie with warming spices and such. It’ll be a nice way to mix it up to make it more tropical with the mango and pineapple juice.
Cadry says
January 7, 2016 at 10:50 amYes, the tropical flavors add a fun twist!
Bianca says
January 6, 2016 at 12:58 pmThat is too cute that you and David had superfood competitions! Y’all are freakin’ adorable. 🙂 That smoothie looks so good. I love me some bananas and all, but it is nice to to have a banana-less smoothie every once in awhile. I bet sweet potato works great!
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:05 pmHa! Thanks, Bianca! It’s nice to be married to someone who is dorky in the same way that I am. 🙂
I almost always use frozen banana for my smoothie base too, and so it was a fun change of pace to do something different.
Paula says
January 6, 2016 at 2:04 pmI love the idea of sweet potato in a smoothie! Sometimes, I get tired of bananas or don’t want banana flavor. This book sounds like a great way of getting more superfoods into my diet. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:07 pmThe sweet potato does a nice job of adding viscosity without overwhelming in flavor. The cinnamon and fruit are definitely the standout flavors.
Dianne says
January 6, 2016 at 2:58 pmI haven’t made any recipes from this book yet, but your photos make me want to run into the kitchen to start – especially the hemp-crusted tofu!
Cadry says
January 6, 2016 at 3:00 pmYes, that’s the place to start! You’re going to love it!
Kris says
January 6, 2016 at 5:34 pmI’ve seen recipes for frozen sweet potato soft serve but this sounds even better! What a great idea for a cookbook.
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:07 pmWow, I’d never heard of frozen sweet potato soft serve! That’s a new one on me.
Alycia says
January 6, 2016 at 9:04 pmI love making smoothies and am always looking for new recipes! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:08 pmMy pleasure! Thanks for stopping by, Alycia!
cookeasyvegan says
January 6, 2016 at 9:36 pmIt’s nice to see ‘superfoods’ that are already in my pantry, rather than the more exotic (and costly) ones that are usually referred to. I was having trouble imagining sweet potato in a smoothie, but then I remembered I make chocolate frosting with sweet potato, so it might be doable, though I’d have to think about it a bit more. 🙂 I use hemp seeds all the time but I never thought of using them to coat tofu — will have to try this.
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:12 pmI agree! So often I’ll hear people espousing the benefits of exotic foods like goji berries or acai, while so many folks still aren’t eating things like broccoli, blueberries, and spinach. Even though those foods are ordinary, they are still nutrient powerhouses!
Sweet potato in a smoothie was outside of my usual too, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you try it! The standout flavors in it are the cinnamon, mango, and pineapple juice. However, the sweet potato gives it body.
BTW, it’s so nice to see you again commenting and blogging! Welcome back to the blogosphere!
Erica K says
January 7, 2016 at 8:33 amThat smoothie looks so appetizing! I’ve used mashed sweet potato in oatmeal before and it’s delicious. I’ll definitely have to try it in a smoothie too. Sweet potato for breakfast, hooray!
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:12 pmWhat a good idea to put sweet potato in oatmeal. I haven’t tried that!
Karen D says
January 7, 2016 at 11:44 amLooks amazing!
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:13 pmThanks, Karen!
Katie says
January 7, 2016 at 1:44 pmThat looks like a magical smoothie. I’m excited to try it. Thanks for sharing and for the contest!
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:13 pmMy pleasure! Thanks for dropping by, Katie!
Kristin says
January 7, 2016 at 2:30 pmThis may be my next lunch? Yum.
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:13 pmGood thinking! With the sweet potato, it’s a filling smoothie. 🙂
Jacky says
January 7, 2016 at 9:22 pmI never thought of putting sweet potato in a smoothie, but why not, if you eat sweet potato pie! Thanks for having the contest!
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:15 pmThat was a new idea to me too, Jacky. I tend to think of sweet potatoes in more savory applications, but it did a nice job of adding body and a bit of sweetness to the smoothie. Plus, with that extra bulk, this drink has staying power.
Jess says
January 8, 2016 at 6:57 amThat looks so good!
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:15 pmThanks, Jess!
Rosanna Paat says
January 8, 2016 at 8:02 amYum! Love mangoes and sweet potatoes. Gotta try this. Thanks for the recipe!
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:16 pmThis sounds like the perfect match for you then! Thanks for stopping by, Rosanna!
Ashley says
January 8, 2016 at 9:54 amI love that you had a friendly competition of who could eat the most superfoods in a day. I might have to try that with my husband! The recipes you mentioned sound delicious. I cannot wait to try a sweet potato smoothie.
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:17 pmYou’ll have to let me know if you try it with your husband, Ashley! It was a fun motivator for us. So often when people decide to eat healthier, they focus on all of the things they are missing. I liked that it put the focus on what we were gaining instead, and those healthier foods naturally crowded out the other stuff.
Barb says
January 8, 2016 at 10:03 amAlways looking for new smoothie recipes and trying to eat more super foods this year
Cadry says
January 8, 2016 at 12:18 pmGood for you, Barb! Best of luck with that!
tanya murphy says
January 8, 2016 at 10:31 pmthese look fantastic! I need something new to chase away the winter blahs…
Cadry says
January 10, 2016 at 10:01 amI know the feeling. Winter seems to have hit with full force now. Good luck, Tanya!
Susan says
January 9, 2016 at 3:33 amI’m not really a smoothie person, but this one sounds yummy!
Cadry says
January 10, 2016 at 10:02 amThis is a really unusual smoothie that’s so different than typical banana-based ones. I hope you enjoy it, Susan!
charj says
January 9, 2016 at 8:41 pmI love smoothies, but I never would have put this combination together on my own.
Cadry says
January 10, 2016 at 10:03 amI agree! It wouldn’t have occurred to me either.
Amey says
January 10, 2016 at 1:30 amOh, fun to read your review! I made that tofu tonight… so delicious and easy!! Totally a favorite. Other than that, we’ve made different things, so it’s fun to see what you’ve made. I’m hoping to get my review up next week sometime… got a couple more meals to make out of it first! So far, lots of great eats!
Cadry says
January 10, 2016 at 10:04 amYes, wasn’t that tofu so good? Hemp seeds were on sale at the grocery store, and I bought a new bag with that recipe in mind. I love having tofu options that are ready in 15 minutes or so. I’m looking forward to reading about the things you’ve made, so that I can add more to my to-make list! 🙂
Lydia Claire says
January 10, 2016 at 1:41 amMy mom and I are looking to add more healthy vegan recipes to our repertoire so this book would be perfect for us!
Cadry says
January 10, 2016 at 10:05 amThat’s great, Lydia! Good for you!
Eve Lynch says
January 10, 2016 at 2:55 pmI loved Jessica’s last book so I know I’m going to love this one.
Carla says
January 11, 2016 at 6:59 amWhat a nice idea to have the ‘superfoods’ listed altogether in one place! I’ll be adding this one to my birthday wish list if I’m not the lucky winner. ; p
Corrine says
January 12, 2016 at 12:09 amI definitely need to add more superfoods to my diet.
Paul Duarte says
January 12, 2016 at 1:41 pmThanks so much for the recipe. Interesting idea to resolve Bananas with sweet potatoes. Looking forward to trying this.
Jess says
January 15, 2016 at 7:10 amThank you so much for this generous review Cadry. I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the new smoothie combination, and that you and David liked that tofu coating so much – it’s a favourite here too!
(And I think it’s so funny my laugh stood out for you when we met! I didn’t realize it was that loud/distinctive, but I do enjoy a good chuckle!! 😉 ) XO
Cadry says
January 26, 2016 at 10:39 amThe thing that stood out to me about your laugh is how fully you meant it. When you are happy, you’re happy all over, and that’s a beautiful thing. 🙂