Turmeric Smoothie with Kefir (Golden Milk)
This turmeric smoothie with kefir is a cool, creamy take on golden milk, blending banana with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and tangy kefir. It is gently spiced, naturally golden, and ready in just minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 5–10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups plain kefir
- 1 large ripe banana, preferably frozen
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 to 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Small pinch of ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup ice cubes, optional
- 1/4 cup milk or cold water, as needed for thinning
- Ground cinnamon, optional for serving
Instructions
- Peel the banana and break it into pieces. If using fresh ginger, peel and finely grate it.
- Add the kefir, banana, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, honey or maple syrup, vanilla, and black pepper to a blender. Add the ice cubes for a colder, thicker smoothie if desired.
- Blend on high for 30–60 seconds, or until completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the blender if necessary.
- Check the consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, add milk or cold water a little at a time and blend again. For a thicker smoothie, add more frozen banana or a few additional ice cubes.
- Taste and adjust the flavor with additional banana or sweetener if needed. Add extra cinnamon, ginger, or turmeric gradually to taste.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately, optionally finishing each serving with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Notes
- Using frozen banana creates a thicker, colder smoothie without requiring as much ice.
- Fresh turmeric root can replace ground turmeric; start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- For a tropical variation, blend in frozen mango or pineapple.
- A small pinch of cardamom can be added for a warmer, more aromatic golden milk flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, replace dairy kefir with an unsweetened plant-based cultured drink.
- Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Shake or stir thoroughly before drinking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
