Name: Miso–Banana Smoothie
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 1 cup ice; 1 medium zucchini , chopped coarse; 1 ripe banana , peeled and halved crosswise; 1 teaspoon white miso; ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup dairy or plant-based milk , plus extra as needed

Why This Recipe Works

We knew that banana was an all-star smoothie ingredient thanks to its versatility, subtle flavor, and desirable texture. Here, it served as a complementary creamy and sweet addition against more vegetal zucchini, which has mild flavor and provides nice bulk. Mixing in milk and a bit of warm spice from cinnamon gave us the added liquid we needed to blend our smoothie and created a baked goods–esque flavor profile (reminiscent of zucchini bread). The unexpected ingredient of salty-tangy miso blended with the banana to elevate our smoothie, giving it a touch of umami and adding a savory nuance to the mild- mannered zucchini.

Instructions

In order listed, add all ingredients to blender and process on low speed until mixture is combined but still coarse in texture, about 10 seconds, scraping down sides of blender jar as needed. Gradually increase speed to high and process until completely smooth, about 1 minute. Adjust consistency with extra milk as needed. Serve.