Tahini, Date, Almond Smoothie. Tom McCorkle/photo; Gina Nistico/food styling, for The Washington Post This smoothie is my way of making busy mornings a little easier. It’s so good and easy to whip up, I think of it as a milkshake-like motivator to get out of bed.
I bet it could even get a breakfast-skipper in the mood to eat. Frosty, creamy and rich, the smoothie provides balanced nourishment, with plenty of protein, fiber and healthy fat to keep you satisfied all morning long. And it doesn’t hurt that it tastes like a treat.
Instead of using added sugar, the smoothie is sweetened with whole fruit – dates – which, along with sweet taste, provide fiber, antioxidants, minerals and a delightful, deep flavor. Because of their sweetness and silky texture, Medjool dates are ideal for this recipe, but any variety will work. They blend in best if they are moist and tender, but if your dates are on the dry side, you can still use them – just soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them first.
The protein in this smoothie comes from three sources: tahini, almonds and milk. The tahini, which also supplies a satisfying measure of good-for-you fat, gives the smoothie a rich, thick texture and signature sesame flavor. Sliced almonds add more “nut-rition,” and blend in just enough to yield bits of crunchy texture.
Milk provides the liquid needed to whir it all together, as well as shake-like creaminess. (You can use any type of milk you like, but note the diff.