Chocolate Banana Black Bean Smoothie

You may think that adding beans to smoothies sounds weird or potentially even “gross.” But you would be wrong, because beans are wonderful and perfect in smoothies, and you will never convince me otherwise. 🙂 And I really think that if you try this Chocolate Banana Black Bean Smoothie you will find you agree!

I’ve said it before, but here are some reasons that adding beans to smoothies is always a good idea: boost protein, increase fiber, enjoy the creaminess they add, and sound hardcore because you add beans to your smoothie. Aaaaaand, you can listen to me be excited about beans in smoothies in the accompanying recipe video, too. Always good to have something to look forward to!

Chocolate Banana Black Bean Smoothie

Recipe by Legume LadyCourse: Meals, On-the-GoDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Calories

276

kcal

Bean smoothies are a glorious thing. Fiber, protein, creamy goodness – yum! Don’t believe me? You will after you try this Chocolate Banana Black Bean Smoothie!

Ingredients

• 1/2 – 1 and 1/2 cups Cooked black beans (recommend no salt added or reduced sodium for this smoothie) – I vote 1.5 cups, but start with a 1/2 cup if you still think I’m crazy and it makes you feel better about the whole ‘beans in smoothies’ idea. Then slowly add more. 😀

• ~2 (large) Over-ripe bananas, frozen in chunks *See note

• 1/2 cup Milk of your choice

• 1/4 cup Plain yogurt (or vanilla flavored for a sweeter smoothie)

• 2-3 Tbs Cocoa powder (unsweetened)

• Touch of sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, Medjool date), to taste (optional)

• Large spoonful of peanut or almond butter (optional, for a richer smoothie)

Directions

• Drain and rinse black beans very well.
• Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend. I would recommend starting with ~2 Tbs cocoa powder and adding more if necessary after you taste, to prevent it from becoming a tad bitter due to unsweetened cocoa powder. After it is pureed, taste and adjust if necessary by adding some sweetener or – even better – more beans! 😀
• Serve cold!

Recipe Video

Notes

• *Tip about the bananas: think banana bread style bananas and use realllllly over-ripe bananas. Peel them, break them into chunks or slices, and freeze them in a sealed container or plastic bag. Another tip for free: even if you’re in a rush, don’t freeze them without peeling first. It just…really doesn’t work out well, trust me.
• If you prefer thicker smoothies, freeze the yogurt and/or milk before blending.

Black Bean Smoothie Nutrition Facts

This is an approximation of the nutrition facts for this bean smoothie that I created in Nutritionist Pro. Of course, this will vary slightly based on the ingredients you use, if you add sweetener, etc. These nutrition facts are for 1 serving of the smoothie that includes 1/2 cup of beans (so would have been adding 1 cup in the recipe above). There is no added sugar, just the sugar naturally occurring in bananas and milk. Check out the fiber and protein in just 1 serving – go beans!!

Bean Smoothies and Other Frozen Treats

Looking for another bean smoothie idea? Try this Summer White Bean Smoothie!

Or, why not add another legume-y ingredient, like in this Fruit Smoothie with a Surprise Ingredient. And while we are talking frozen treats, this is one of our favorite desserts – Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Ice Cream.