People who like yogurt will usually also like soured milk too. The nutritional benefits of the two products are similar but soured milk is often cheaper and can be substituted for yogurt in most smoothie recipes.
The fermentation of milk predigests it, making it easier for humans to absorb its nutrients. Soured milk is considered a probiotic since it contains live bacteria that can survive the acid conditions of the gut and continue to produce substances that are beneficial to health. The acid from these microorganisms also prevents the growth of undesirable bacteria. In this way they help maintain the health of the gut.
The addition of fresh milk will offset soured milk's tart taste. Fruit and honey or sugar further sweeten the milk. The flavour of most common fruits will blend well with soured milk. There is room to experiment and find combinations that please different tastes. Berries such as raspberries or strawberries as well as tropical fruits such as bananas and mangoes are equally suitable. Citrus fruit such as oranges can be used. The fruit must be peeled and cubed or chopped before it is added to the soured milk. Seeds must be removed or they will add a bitter taste.
Part of the fun of having smoothies is serving them in attractive glassware. They look elegant in tall glasses if large enough amounts are made from a recipe. It is well worth the effort to match the size of the glass to the quantity of drink.
Here are a few fruity recipes.
Banana Delight Smoothie
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) soured milk
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) fresh milk
- 1 small banana
- 1 tablespoon (12,5 ml) orange juice
- sugar or honey, to taste
Method:
Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor. Whirl until smooth.
Soured Milk and Peaches Smoothie
Serves 1
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) soured milk
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) fresh milk
- 2 fresh peaches, washed and sliced; seed removed
- sugar or honey, to taste
Method:
Blend all the ingredients in a blender or smoothie maker. Serve in a tall glass.
Strawberry Surprise Smoothie
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (250 ml) soured milk
- 1 cup (250 ml) fresh milk
- 4 large fresh strawberries (or 1 cup frozen strawberries)
- 1 small banana, cut up
Method:
Blend until you have a smoothie consistency. Serve straight away, in tall glasses.
Soured Mango and Peach Smoothie
Serves 2 to 3
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (250 ml) soured milk
- 1 cup (250 ml) peeled mango chunks
- 1 large peach, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks
- 1 cup (250 ml) peach nectar
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Makes two fairly generous drinks.
