Hot carrot cake and walnut smoothie bowl

Ayurveda loves a hot meal, so here’s a warming, cooked variation on the usual smoothie. Perfect for breakfast all year round, think of this as a sweet soup or a hot-house smoothie. The carrots are simmered until tender, which not only makes them easy to digest, but also makes the smoothie deliciously smooth, even if you don’t have a power blender.

For variety, swap in butternut squash or sweet potato – just like the porridge opposite. Try different nuts and seeds, but avoid cashews and peanuts as they are very heating and heavy. Top with your favourite granola, if you fancy, for a gorgeous smoothie bowl.

If you want to thin this into a drink, follow the instructions below, adding another 250ml (1 cup) of water to the blender. PICTURED HERE.

Serves 2

2 large carrots, chopped (about 400g)

2 large pitted dates

250ml (1 cup) water

40g (scant ½ cup) walnut halves, soaked overnight (and toasted if you have issues with digestion)

1 tbsp raw honey

¼ tsp ground cinnamon, plus more to decorate

2.5cm (lin) piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped

seeds of 2 cardamom pods, ground

¼–½ tsp vanilla extract

pinch of sea salt (optional – to bring out flavours and help rehydrate after a workout)

2 tbsp granola, to serve (optional)

1 Simmer the carrots and dates in the water until tender.

2 Add to a blender with the rest of the ingredients. Blend until smooth. Dust with cinnamon, top with granola, if using, and serve.

FEELING
VATA

Add more spices and some ghee if you like.

FEELING
PITTA

Reduce the ginger, black pepper and cardamom slightly to keep your cool, and swap the honey for maple syrup or jaggery.

FEELING
KAPHA

If you’re having this regularly, halve the amount of walnuts and up the pungent spices.

TIP

•

In the summer, enjoy this as a refreshing drink using raw carrot and fresh mint instead of spices. Served at room temperature, it’s good for calming Pitta. Simply grate the carrots and add to a powerful blender with the rest of feeling the ingredients. Use 250–500ml (1–2 cups) of water, according to how thick you want it.