A small beetroot portion goes a long way
Beetroot gives this smoothie its deep pink colour and an earthy background. It is measured carefully so raspberry remains the leading flavour. Doubling the beetroot would create a much more savoury drink, even though the colour might look similar. Use cooked beetroot sold plain, or beetroot you have cooked and chilled safely yourself.
Pickled beetroot is not a substitute. Its vinegar and seasoning alter the drink far more than a squeeze of lemon would. Ready-cooked vacuum-packed beetroot is convenient, but read the label and follow the opened-pack storage instructions. Drain any packing liquid before weighing the portion.
Balance the earthiness
Raspberry's sharpness and banana's sweetness pull the beetroot in opposite directions, making the mixture feel more rounded. The lemon is a final brightening note. If the smoothie tastes too earthy, add a few more raspberries rather than a large amount of sweetener; sweetness alone will not remove beetroot flavour.
The colour can suggest a very sweet berry drink, so serve it with that earthy note in mind. Plain yoghurt keeps the flavour clean, while flavoured yoghurt can introduce extra sugar and vanilla that may not suit the combination. Blend just long enough to break down the beetroot, and expect visible seed flecks unless you strain it.
What you'll need
- 80 g plain cooked beetroot, chilled
- 160 g fresh raspberries
- 100 g peeled banana
- 120 g plain yoghurt
- 120 ml cold water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Let's make it
- Check that the beetroot is plain cooked beetroot, not pickled or dressed. Dice it and put it in the blender with the water.
- Blend briefly, then add washed raspberries, banana, yoghurt and lemon juice. Blend until the colour is even.
- Taste and check the texture. If raspberry seeds bother you, press the drink through a sieve, using a spoon to help it through.
- Serve in two glasses, wiping spills promptly because beetroot can stain pale surfaces and fabrics.
Make it your own
Blackberries can replace raspberries, but their seeds are firmer and straining may be more useful.
Use plain coconut yoghurt for a non-dairy variation, checking its ingredients and allergy advice.
Keeping it fresh
Keep covered at 5°C or below if not drinking immediately, and use within 24 hours or the shortest ingredient storage limit. Follow the beetroot packet's opened-pack guidance.
Allergen notes
Milk
