Summer in the Hamptons calls for quick and easy recipes that can be made successfully by just about anyone, regardless of how over worked, hungover or broke you may be. My goal, as one of the laziest and thriftiest food enthusiasts there is, is to bring you simple and gorgeous raw vegan recipes that will provide your body with the vitamins, nutrients and minerals it needs – all while making the most of your dollar. Because making food at home shouldn’t be expensive or tedious. And because I know there are more exciting purchases than organic groceries — like tickets to the next show at Jones Beach or a night out with friends.
Photo courtesy of Tumblr.
These recipes will consist of ten ingredients or less. The foods that these recipes contain will be ones that can be found in any of the Hamptons’s local markets, grocery shops and health food stores. They will be delicious, fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. Make them with friends or to-go on your way to the beach. Bring them to your neighbor’s cook-out or serve them at your next pool party. There is no right or wrong time to enjoy raw food. Well, actually there is a right time, and its summer time. Now is the time to indulge on foods that will make you look and feel your best.
These recipes are refreshing, vibrant and healthful, so you can eat them as often as you’d like. In honor of the summer officially beginning I have created one of my yummiest, tropical and thirst quenching beverages yet. This smoothie can be made in under five minutes, and will have your taste buds begging for more. There is nothing more beautiful than enjoying fresh foods made with raw ingredients from our Earth.
Photo courtesy of Tumblr.
In this particular recipe you will see that I use Maca Powder. Maca is a root vegetable grown in the Peruvian Andes. Maca powder is sacred to the Incas and has been used as a food and medicine in South America for hundreds of years. It is well-known for its ability to help enhance physical strength and endurance. According to traditional stories, Incan warriors would often consume the maca root before embarking on long journeys or battles. Maca is high in magnesium, potassium and calcium. Maca can be purchased at any health food store or online. The Maca is not the only ingredient in this smoothie that will nourish your body.
Pineapple, which is the main ingredient in this smoothie, has nourishing powers as well. One cup of fresh pineapple contains 130% of your daily recommended Vitamin C needs. Pineapples are also the only known source of an enzyme known as bromelian. This enzyme has been shown to be effective in reducing and alleviating joint pain, muscle stiffness and arthritis. More so, it has also been shown to reduce inflammation, shorten recovery time following surgery as well as inhibit the growth of tumors in our bodies.
Photo courtesy of Tumblr.
To keep you hydrated and refreshed this summer, I have also included fresh coconut water in this exotic drink. Coconut water is naturally fat- and cholesterol-free. The water from coconuts contains more potassium than four large bananas, and hydrates just about every cell in our bodies. Coconut water is so hydrating in fact, that according to Dr. Campbell-Flack, medical resources routinely used the water from coconuts for intravenous hydration as well as resuscitation of critically ill patients. “Critically ill” sounds just about right when it comes to describing the morning after a night spent hitting Montauk town!
This beverage contains natural electrolytes, which replenish our bodies after a night of partying or a few too many hours spent on the beach. From curing hangovers to alleviating kidney stones, this clear liquid derived from the fruit’s center is a must this summer. I hope you enjoy this “Pineapple Paradise” smoothie as much as I do! Cheers to a summer filled with sunshine, relaxation and fresh fruit!
Pineapple Paradise
(Serves Two)
1 Pure Gold or Gold Crown Pineapple (Peeled entirely and de-cored)
2 Cups Raw Coconut Water
4 Frozen Bananas (Peeled and frozen overnight)
1-2 Inches of Fresh Vanilla Bean
1 Tablespoon Raw Maca Powder
5 Ice cubes
(Optional: 2 Loosely packed cups of Fresh or Frozen Spinach)
Preparation
Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Serve with two straws, some colorful paper umbrellas and a splash of lime juice if desired. Enjoy!
Words and photo by Amelia Whelan of saltsandandsmoothies.com
