Monday, August 22, 2016

Tigernut Strawberry Milkshake!


Super foods are little wonders of nature that we should consume as often as we can. Some are quite common and known to everyone while others still wait their moment of glory. By now everyone is familiar with the benefits of quinoa, kale, and hemp among many others. However, I don't know how many have already heard about the benefits of tigernuts or had the chance to try them. Recently, however, tigernuts are receiving more the exposure they deserve.

Tigernuts are not a modern-day invention; in fact they have been around for thousands of years. Their name is a bit misleading as they are not nuts but small plant roots or tubers. They are nutrient rich, packed with resistant starch and vitamins like C and E.

Luckily for me, Spain is one of the main producers of tigernuts, locally known as Chufa.
Horchata, which is the name of the milk or fruit juice extracted from tigernuts, is seen everywhere when Spain's hot summer settles in. 


I don´t know why but this drink is linked with summer. Though you can find it all year long, it's really popular in this season, perhaps because it's so refreshing, delicious and nutritious.  

Horchata can be simply made at home if you have tigernuts. You just need to use 250 g of tigernuts that have been soaked overnight to which you add 1 liter of water. Process in a blender and pass the mixture through a sieve. Refrigerate and serve cold. You can add sugar if you want but I find tigernuts to be naturally sweet and do not need any extra sweetness. 

Horchata is delicious as it is, but you can always spice things up with delectable and refreshing flavors. This time I decided to flavor the horchata with strawberries and cinnamon. The drink was not only delicious, but also extremely refreshing. What's more, the drink is nutritious and helps you recover during those hot summer days!


I hope by now you are tempted enough to try this refreshing drink. If so, here are the ingredients you need to prepare enough for two:  
  • 250 ml tigernut milk
  • 100 g strawberry purée
  • 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • 10 ice cubes
In a shaker, combine all ingredients, and shake for about a minute, pour into a glass, sprinkle some cinnamon and serve immediately! If you don't have a shaker use a jar, then strain the mixture!

Enjoy!

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