Tempeh as a Revitalizing Smoothie

Do you know tempeh can be made into a smoothie that is also a complete meal on its own? Like cheese, the flavour of tempeh deepens with time. Fresh tempeh has a milder flavour, with a more distinctive taste of the beans it is made of. This made it an ideal protein ingredient to this anti-inflammation smoothie that is rich in antioxidants and fibre. Steamed sweet potatoes provides carbohydrates, while passion fruit is rich in Vitamin C and adds a tangy flavour to the smoothie. Flaxseeds are added for a dose of omega - 3 fatty acid, a powerful plant anti-inflammatory agent. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium and fibre, which helps improve heart and prostate health while preventing certain cancers. Dates and honey are used as natural sweetener while providing fibre and minerals. This recipe is very versatile, passion fruit may be replaced with pineapple, sweet potatoes can be replaced with pumpkin or yam, and pumpkin seeds be replaced with tree nuts.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 80g steamed sweet potatoes

• 40g fresh tempeh (within 3 days of production)

• 1 passionfruit

• 3 dates (pitted)

• 1 tablespoon flax seed

• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds

• 1 teaspoon raw honey

• 150ml drinking water

• 1/2 pc lime or 1/4 wedge lemon (optional)

Method:

1. Cut passionfruit into half. Scoop half of the flesh into blender with other ingredients. Reserve half passionfruit and a few pieces of pumpkin seeds as topping.

2. Blend all ingredients in a blender till smooth.

3. Serve in a glass, garnished with pumpkin seeds and reserved passion fruit pulp and juice. For extra tang, squeeze in some lemon or lime juice.