Easy Recipes: I’m Addicted to Açai Bowls
Looking for a surprisingly simple go-to meal? Enter: açai bowls. Nothing beats finding a local shop that dominates the realm of putting fruits, vegetables, juices, milk, or what have you into a blender and creating a harmony of flavors that satisfy your cravings. However, it’s nice to get into the habit of saving a little money and crafting these refreshing delicacies in your own kitchen. To maintain my own sanity over quarantine last March, I decided to test out a smoothie bowl by experimenting with a random assortment of ingredients and toppings. Let’s just say that ever since this day, I probably have at least three homemade bowls a week for breakfast (I’ve seriously become addicted). And the best part about this effortless recipe is that anyone can make it on their own!
When whipping up that tasty smoothie base for our bowls, you want to make sure you avoid creating a consistency that’s comparable to a thin liquid or to a solid mush. I’ve found that some sort of creamy ingredient, like some frozen bananas, açaí (you can find packets at Trader Joe’s, Target, and pretty much any grocery store), or an avocado, works best to get that velvety thickness all smoothie bowls should have. Alongside these necessary components, adding some frozen berries and/or other fruits for healthy antioxidants and that sweet flavor, or even spinach for your daily dose of greens, will be the perfect addition to your base. Toss all of these essentials into your blender of choice (a standard Nutribullet works perfectly in my college kitchen), top it off with any liquid (juice, milk, or water), blend it together and BOOM, you’ve got your impeccable smoothie bowl base. If you’re really feeling fancy, feel free to add some protein powder, nut butter, or sweetener with your base ingredients to add some extra benefits and taste!
Before you satisfy your tastebuds with a homemade smoothie bowl, you’ll need to finish it off with your favorite toppings. No need to worry about this part, just grab some ingredients you have lying around your kitchen and you’ll be good to go. If you’re looking for that crunch in your bowl, add some granola, coconut flakes, or cacao nibs. I also recommend tossing on any tasty fruit, like bananas, berries, pineapple, or kiwi to make your bowl even more flavorful. Finish it off with a drizzle of any nut butter, honey, or Nutella (if you’re having a serious chocolate craving and feeling funky) or maybe a sprinkle of chia seeds for even more health benefits.
It’s common knowledge in today’s society that any açai bowl isn’t complete without snapping a pic to share with the world! Try out this super simple meal, take that aesthetically pleasing shot of your beautiful bowl, and post it for everyone to admire. Not only will you get to indulge in the deliciousness of your easy meal, but you may also inspire others to follow in your foodie footsteps and create their own version. Don’t forget to tag @goldenmagumn when you make your smoothie bowl and post for all to envy. ;)
