Winter breakfasts can be challenging when you are not only gluten free but also intolerant to starches. So even gluten free grains are out. Yes that's right. No quinoa, no amaranth, no millet, sorghum. I have been in utter denial about buckwheat though. It's the one gluten free grain that I love however with the recent cold weather here in Melbourne I did have a week of buckwheat porridge for breakfast each day and felt the affects. So I had no choice, I had to start coming up with alternatives for a warming breakfast.
Because I do believe that we need to eat warmer foods in Winter, and likewise cooler foods in Summer
Before making a warm smoothie I did have to get my head around it. Was it going to be like drinking a sweet soup? My fears were put to rest on the first sip. It was delicious! The first one I made was a green smoothie. It was so thick I ate it from a bowl. But when I make smoothies I tend to keep adding things and they do end up on the thick side!
The key to a warm smoothie is cauliflower
You may have seen that steamed cauliflower adds a creaminess to smoothies. The first time I tried it I added it raw - clearly I'm not so good at reading instructions! But it was good, so I didn't bother steaming it. But since this is a warm smoothie, I think steamed is best. You can steam a whole head of cauliflower and freeze it in pieces, ready to use when you want. And trust me, you do not taste it! Steamed cauliflower would not be my most favourite vegetable, and I would not want a smoothie tasting of it!
This smoothie is so simple, but utterly delicious and warming
Plus the bonus of it is you are using ingredients that are in season. Which means you are getting the fruit and vegetables at their best - in nutrition, taste and cost. It's the only way to eat! I bought these delicious cooking apples at a farmer's market last week - I can't remember the name of them but just use any cooking apple you can get.
You can steam a whole cauliflower and freeze it, taking out a piece as you need it. Or alternatively (and this saves room also) rice your cauliflower and freeze it raw then you can add a handful to the coconut water as you heat it up.
Lacuma comes from a fruit and is native to South America and Africa. It has been used for thousands of years as a low GI natural sweetener and is full of the B vitamins, protein, zinc and antioxidants. You can buy it from most health food stores or at The Bulk Source stores where you can buy in any amount which is perfect if you're not sure if you'll use it again. I don't use sugar at all, so I do not have a sweet tooth and find the lacuma is enough sweetener for me, but obviously adjust as to your tastes.
Ingredients:
1 cup of Natural Raw C coconut water
2 cooking apples
1 large floret of steamed cauliflower
1 teaspoon tahini
1 teaspoon lacuma (optional)
Cinnamon to taste
Method:
Add the coconut water and chopped apple to a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes until the apple is warmed through
If the cauliflower is cold, also add this to the coconut water to warm up
Add all ingredients to your blender and mix until smooth
I love cinnamon and a lot of it, if you don't want to turn your smoothie brown, sprinkle your cinnamon on top
That's it! There's nothing more for you to do but enjoy!
Do you have any warming favourites you have as a go to for a winter breakfast?
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