Banana and Strawberry Smoothie

This licuado is a quick and easy, nutritious and filling drink that takes minutes to make. Both kids and adults love it. It is a nice breakfast drink or afternoon snack. Licuados are sold in most mercados (markets) and in the streets throughout Guatemala and other Latin countries. They are the drink of choice for many Guatemalans. Licuados can contain water or milk and ice as a base. Sometimes they are packaged in a small bolsita (bag) with a straw for convenience.

Serves 2 

1 banana, peeled, broken in half
1/2 cup washed, stemmed, halved strawberries
2 cups milk (lactose-free)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond or hazelnut extract
1 tablespoon sugar

Adorno (Garnish)
2 strawberries

In a blender, process the first 6 ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust the sugar, if needed.

Serve each licuado garnished with a strawberry.

Amalia’s Notes

You can also make a licuado using ice, water or juice instead of milk. Make a lighter drink by adding more liquid, such as orange juice or any other juice, to the fruit mixture. Strain the licuado and add fruit bits at the end.

In lieu of fresh fruit, use frozen tropical fruit pulp, such as passion fruit, coconut, papaya, guava, tamarind, or others. Fruit pulp is available at Latino grocery stores.