It doesn't get any more simple or nourishing than this!  This smoothie is filling, nutritious, free of refined sugar yet delightfully kissed with just a bit of sweet.  It is a perfect breakfast, post-workout snack or even a light meal.  

This recipe requires just an ounce of premeditation the night before (or morning of) plus 5 minutes of preparation to soak the cashews and rolled oats.  However if you're making this spontaneously because the need for a delicious cashew & oats smoothie overcame you without warning, it's okay!  As long as you have a high powered blender, the nut and oats will still blend into a silky smooth drink.  However just note that this method doesn't reap the benefits of pre-soaking the nuts (don't take it from me though - read more about soaking nuts, seeds and grains it here).

Note:  To maximize the health benefits of nuts, pre-soak the cashews in water (generally double the volume of water to nut) overnight (or at least 3-4 hours for cashews).  This rids the cashews of enzyme inhibitors which eases the digestion and absorption of their nutrients.   

Cashew + Oats Smoothie

Recipe makes 1 serving.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 C raw unsalted cashew, soaked (see method below)

3 tbsp rolled oats (use gluten free if intolerant), soaked (see method below)

1.5 tsp chia seeds

1 banana, fresh or frozen both fine

2-4 pitted dates (depending on sweetness you want)

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (I used bean paste because that's what I had)

1/2 C water or almond milk or coconut water

1/2 C ice cubes (may omit if bananas are frozen)

METHOD

1.  The night before:

• Place cashews in a cup and add about 1 C of water. Cover loosely and leave to soak overnight (or minimum 3-4 hours) at room temperature.

• In a separate vessel, combine the oats and chia seeds with about 1/3 C of water (or almond milk or coconut water if you prefer) Cover and soak overnight in the fridge (room temp is ok if using water).

2. After the cashews have soaked overnight or 3-4 hours, drain and rinse the cashews in fresh water and place into the blender.  Add to that, the soaked oats and all the remaining ingredients: banana, dates, vanilla, liquid of choice and ice.  Blend until smooth.  Adjust with more liquid to desired consistency if you prefer it thinner.

Enjoy!  xx 

Psst.  You may have noticed in this post my pretty white + rose gold Sudio Sweden VASA BLÅ earbuds which features Bluetooth technology with multiple device pairings allowing wireless freedom up to 8 hours!  These are perfect for my morning runs and tangle-free movement around the kitchen!  Thank you Sudio Sweden!