Voted in my house anyway. Enter my latest obsession – ACAI BOWLS! These babies have been around for quite some time, I have just been a little slow of the mark with them.
Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is a berry native to Central and South America. It has a super fabulous list of nutritional benefits, including a ridiculous antioxidant status, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and has protein, essential fatty acids, fibre and a host of other vitamins and minerals. Acai bowls are more common place in Brazil, California and Hawaii, and having not been lucky enough to visit these places yet, I will have to be content with my home made number. I have also supercharged this version with a nice whack of protein, healthy fats, and a fabulous array of super foods, and kale of course (ha) which is also a superfood!
You can buy acai as powder or frozen in sachets. It is not the cheapest thing in the world, but you don’t need a massive amount. My local health food shop is wonderful enough to sell it in bulk, which is perfect if you have that option. Alternatively, you can substitute it with any other superfood powder of your choice. Even if you left it out all together the recipe would still be ace. Freestyle this one as much as you like, the recipe below is just a guideline and is a little unconventional. I do like the addition of protein and good fats such as the avocado, seeds and nut butter, as often they are just a blend of mixed fruit. A fruit only version is delish, but a few extra ingredients and you can totally pass it as a legitimate meal! It’s also a huge hit with kids!
Acai Bowl – My Wholefood Romance Style
Makes 2 bowls
1 cup frozen berries (any kind)
1/2 banana
1 cup almond milk
2 tbs acai powder
2 tbs hemp or chia seeds
1/2 tbs nut butter
1/4 avocado
1 tsp raw cacao (or more)
1 tsp maca powder (or more)
A handful of kale leaves – no stems (or any other leafy green)
1-2 tsp lemon juice
Pop all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Add less milk for a thicker consistency, more for thinner. Note: a thicker consistency = bacically ice-cream – awesome.
Top with any left over fruit, nuts, granola, flaked coconut, extra avocado, or just enjoy straight up! x
hI,
I tried this in Brazil and it is spectacular. Can’t wait to make your version at home.
Hi Antoinette, I can’t wait to try a Brazillian Acai Bowl one day…hope you like this version!
Meg – I just love you! Your recipes, posts and the energy in the way you write is a joy! Thanks for giving us all so many ideas,
L x
Oh wow thanks for the lovely comment Lauren! So happy that you find it useful!! Take care, x.
Will have to make them. Look so delicious…….
Any specific Acai powder brand? Or all are the same?
What is it that is on top of bananas?
Hi Aleisha, It’s bee pollen on top of the bananas. Any brand of acai should be fine as long as it’s 100%. Thanks!
What is a great brand of raw cacao to use?
Hi Dawn, I use Loving Earth raw cacao, but there are other good brands too. Just make sure it is 100% cacao and fairly made. x
I’m hungry tonight and this recipe came right on time. For the most part I have ALL of those ingredients with the exception of a few…I will let you know how it all turns out. thank you!
Great Ebby! I hope you enjoyed it. x
At this moment I am ready to do my breakfast,
later than having my breakfast coming over again to read other news.
I had previously tried yours and thought it was amazing. I then made another one the other day and yours is by far the yummiest!!. Thank you for bringing this combination to the table!
x
Can you make this in bulk on a sunday and keep it cool and eat throughout the week, to amok things easier for busy people. This recipe is amazing
Hi Belle, so glad you like it! I’m not sure how it would go over a number of days, as the frozen berries/banana give it that ice-creamy texture. You could certainly give it a go?