This Banana Date Smoothie is flavored with mastic gum, a unique and aromatic essence. This creamy, naturally sweet smoothie combines the richness of ripe bananas and the caramel-like sweetness of dates, creating a delightful blend that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
This creamy smoothie is perfect as a morning boost or an afternoon treat. It's a delicious way to enjoy a fusion of flavors that’s as refreshing as it is wholesome.
Indulge in the exotic flavors of this banana date smoothie inspired by Palestinian cuisine. The mastic gum adds a subtle, piney note, infusing each sip with a taste reminiscent of ancient culinary traditions.
The toasted almonds are a perfect addition to enhance the great flavor of this smoothie. Their crunchy, nutty texture makes this drink both comforting and indulgent.
If you're looking for another unique flavor try banana tahini smoothie. For other refreshing drinks try watermelon mint juice or lemon mint recipe.
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What is Mastic Gum?
Mastic gum is a natural resin obtained from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), which is primarily found on the Greek island of Chios in the Mediterranean region. The resin is harvested by making small cuts in the bark of the tree, allowing the sap to flow out and harden into translucent, tear-shaped droplets, then dried. these dried droplets can be ground into a powder once used.
Mastic gum has a unique flavor, slightly piney, earthy, and aromatic. It has been described as a mix of cedar, vanilla, and slightly herbal notes, making it a distinctive ingredient in various Palestinian and levant recipes, such as ma'moul cookies and rice pudding.
In its raw form, mastic gum is a brittle resin that can be chewed as a natural gum. When ground into a powder, it can be mixed into foods and beverages.
Mastic gum is used in numerous recipes within the Palestinian and Middle Eastern cuisines and adds a unique flavor to desserts, ice cream, and bread.
WHY WE LOVE THIS RECIPE?
- Easy to Prepare: It's easy and quick to make, kids and adults love it.
- No Sugar: This mix is all fresh and healthy, with no sugar added, the sweetness comes from the Medjool dates.
- Distinctive Taste: The smoothie blends the sweet, creamy banana with them, creating a flavor profile that’s both unique and delicious. This combination offers something different from the usual fruit-based smoothies, making it a standout.
- Health Benefits: Packed with healthy ingredients; potassium from the banana, protein from milk, and sweetness from the dates, this smoothie is not only tasty but also nourishing. It provides a balanced mix of nutrients that can support energy levels and keep you feeling satisfied.
Equipment
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Blender or Food Processor - This is used to blend all ingredients.
Bowl Grinder - To grind mastic into powder.
Ingredients
Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Bananas - Ripe bananas, frozen or fresh can be used in this recipe.
- Milk - Use regular milk or any plant-based milk of your preference.
- Mastic Gum - Mastic gum can be found in specialty grocery stores, particularly those that specialize in Mediterranean, Greek, or Middle Eastern products. It's usually sold in small quantities and lasts for a long time. Mastic gum has a strong flavor a small amount goes a long way. Beware that using extra can turn the flavor into more bitter.
- Granulated Sugar - The sugar is only used to help in grinding mastic gum, it can be substituted with cornstarch or flour.
- Medjool Dates - Where the natural sweetness comes from.
- Orange Blossom Water - Adds another refreshing layer of flavors to the smoothie.
- Chopped Toasted Almonds (optional) - the toasted almonds give this recipe a crunchy toasty flavor.
Instructions
Step 1 | Place sugar and mastic gum droplets in the grinder.
Step 2 | Grind sugar and mastic gum until the mixture turns into powder.
Step 3 | In a blender place bananas, milk Medjool dates (remove pit), and mastic gum powder mixture.
Step 4 | Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Once blended Pour a few drops of Orange Blossom Water.
Step 5 | Pour into a glass or mason jars, sprinkle on top chopped toasted almonds (optional), and enjoy immediately.
Variations and Substitutions
- Non-dairy milk - For a dairy-free alternative use unsweetened almond milk, soy milk coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk.
- Greek Yogurt - you can use yogurt instead of milk
- Agave, Stevia, or Monk Fruit - If you don't have Medjool dates and for a low-calorie sweetener, use stevia or monk fruit, but start with a small amount as they are much sweeter than sugar.
- You can use maple syrup instead of dates.
- You can add chia seeds to this smoothie.
- You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess.
- You can use walnuts or any other nuts instead of almonds.
Expert Tips
- Use Frozen Bananas: For a thicker and creamier smoothie, use frozen bananas. They not only add a nice texture but also make the smoothie colder without the need for ice cubes.
- Boost the Protein: If you want to make your smoothie more filling, consider adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- Toasted Almonds: To toast almonds, place a handful of raw almonds under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, and stir them after 3 minutes to toast evenly, once cooled, chop with a sharp knife. Use about 1 teaspoon and keep the leftover in a jar in the fridge.
- Soften Dates: If your blender is not high-speed, you can soften the dates by soaking them in hot water for 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Yes, you can. This smoothie can taste good with just the 3 main ingredients: bananas, milk, and dates. If you don't have mastic gum you can simply skip it, but it will lack the distinctive flavor that mastic gum provides.
Make sure it is finely ground into a powder before adding it to the blender. Adding a ¼ spoon of granulated sugar can help in grinding mastic gum.
While this smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir it well before drinking, as the ingredients may separate over time.
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More Delicious Recipes
Banana Date Smoothie (Mastic Gum Flavored)
- Prep Time: 5
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Snack
- Cuisine: Palestinian/Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Description
This banana date smoothie is flavored with mastic gum, a unique and aromatic essence. This creamy, naturally sweet smoothie combines the richness of ripe bananas and the caramel-like sweetness of dates, creating a delightful blend that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe frozen banana
- 1.5 cup milk
- 2-3 Medjool Dates
- ¼ teaspoon Mastic Gum
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- ½ teaspoon toasted almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Place sugar and mastic gum droplets in the grinder.
- Grind sugar and mastic gum until the mixture turns into more powder.
- In a blender place bananas, milk, Medjool dates (remove pit), and mastic gum powder mixture.
- Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Once blended pour a few drops of Orange Blossom Water.
- Pour into a glass or mason jars, sprinkle on top chopped toasted almonds (optional), and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use Frozen Bananas: For a thicker and creamier smoothie, use frozen bananas. They not only add a nice texture but also make the smoothie colder without the need for ice cubes.
- Boost the Protein: If you want to make your smoothie more filling, consider adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
- Toasted Almonds: To toast almonds, place a handful of raw almonds under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, and stir them after 3 minutes to toast evenly, once cooled, chop with a sharp knife. Use about 1 teaspoon and keep the leftover in a jar in the fridge.
- Soften Dates: If your blender is not high-speed, you can soften the dates by soaking them in hot water for 15 minutes.
Haifa says
I tried this smoothie, and love the combination of flavors, it's definitely a repeat. Thanks for such a delicious recipe.
Wafa Shami says
Hi Haifa, glad to hear that, enjoy!