A shake without ice cream

Frozen banana provides the structure in this dairy-free shake, while tahini adds a savoury, roasted note. Soy drink gives a relatively neutral background, though brands vary. The result is less overtly sweet than many ice-cream shakes and has a noticeable sesame finish.

Use smooth, pourable tahini made from sesame seeds. Some jars separate considerably, and a spoon taken from the dry bottom can create a chalky drink. Stir before weighing. Tahini that tastes unpleasantly rancid or excessively bitter on its own will not improve when diluted.

Match sweetness to the banana

A ripe banana with brown speckles produces a sweeter shake than a barely yellow banana. Freeze it in slices after peeling so it can be measured and blended easily. Two teaspoons of maple syrup are a starting point, not a reason to ignore the fruit's own sweetness.

Blend the tahini and soy drink before adding frozen banana. This disperses the sesame paste and reduces the chance of a concentrated lump. If the blender struggles, switch off and add a little more liquid; do not press frozen pieces towards moving blades. Serve in modest glasses, because sesame paste makes the drink feel rich even without cream or ice cream.

What you'll need

160 g peeled banana, frozen in slices
220 ml unsweetened soy drink
20 g smooth tahini
2 tsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
A small pinch of fine salt

Let's make it

Stir the tahini well so its oil and paste are combined. Put the soy drink and tahini in the blender and blend briefly.
Add frozen banana, maple syrup, vanilla and salt. Blend until the banana is incorporated and the mixture looks creamy.
Taste before increasing maple syrup. If the tahini is strongly bitter, add a little more banana rather than a large amount of sweetener.
Divide into two small glasses and serve cold. A few sesame seeds can be added as an optional garnish, but are not needed for flavour.

Make it your own

Oat drink can replace soy drink, but changes the allergen profile and often adds sweetness.

Peanut butter is not a sesame-free equivalent for everyone: it introduces peanut allergens and a different flavour. Use only if suitable for the person drinking it.

Keeping it fresh

Serve immediately. Freeze peeled banana slices in a sealed container for up to one month for best quality. Keep soy drink refrigerated after opening as directed on its carton.