Besso Smoothie Recipe

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Craving a refreshing, nutritious drink that transports you to the heart of Ethiopia? This Besso Smoothie is a vibrant blend of sweet mango and wholesome roasted barley flour, offering a unique flavor and satisfying energy boost. It’s a beloved staple in my kitchen, perfect for a quick breakfast or a revitalizing snack.

Key Information

Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredient Highlights

Besso Duket: The star of this smoothie, roasted barley flour, offers a nutty, earthy flavor and a wonderful thickening quality.
Fresh Mango: Brings a natural sweetness and tropical brightness. Choose ripe, fragrant mangoes that yield slightly to pressure.

If fresh mangoes aren’t in season, frozen mango chunks work beautifully and can even reduce the need for extra ice. See the full ingredient list in the recipe card below.

Equipment Needed

You’ll primarily need a good quality blender for this recipe. A high-speed blender is ideal for achieving a super smooth, creamy consistency, especially with the barley flour. While a standard blender will work, you might need to blend for a bit longer to ensure there are no grainy bits.

Step-by-Step Overview

Prepare the mangoes: Peel them and remove the large pit for a smooth texture.

Blend ingredients: Add mango, Besso Duket, cold water, honey, and ice cubes to the blender.
Blend thoroughly: Ensure the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. Scrape down the sides if necessary.
Adjust consistency: If too thick, add more cold water until desired consistency is reached.

Enjoy immediately: Once blended, it’s ready to be enjoyed!

Storage & Reheating Tips

This Besso Smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, right after blending, to experience its optimal texture and flavor. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture might thicken slightly upon standing, and some separation may occur, but a quick stir or re-blend will bring it back to life. I don’t recommend freezing this smoothie, as the texture of the mango and barley flour can change significantly upon thawing.

Variations & Substitutions

While delicious as is, this Besso Smoothie is also wonderfully adaptable. For an extra boost of protein, consider adding a tablespoon of nut butter or a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder. If you prefer a different fruit, ripe bananas or peaches would also pair well with the earthy notes of Besso Duket. For those who prefer less sweetness, you can reduce or omit the honey, letting the natural sweetness of the mango shine. To make it even more refreshing on a hot day, a few mint leaves blended in can add a lovely zing.

FAQs

Can I use regular barley flour instead of Besso Duket?

While Besso Duket is roasted and has a distinct nutty flavor, you can lightly toast regular barley flour in a dry pan until fragrant as a substitute.

What if my smoothie is too thick?

Simply add a little more cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir or quick re-blend before serving.

Is this smoothie gluten-free?

No, barley contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, you would need to substitute the Besso Duket with a gluten-free flour like oat flour (ensure it’s certified gluten-free) or a gluten-free protein powder, though the flavor profile will change significantly.

Cultural Significance

Barley holds a special place in Ethiopian culture, not just as a food source but as a symbol of sustenance and tradition. Besso Duket is a staple in many Ethiopian households, often prepared simply with water and honey for a quick, nourishing meal or snack, especially for travelers or those needing sustained energy. This smoothie recipe is a modern twist on that ancient tradition, blending the wholesome goodness of Besso with the vibrant sweetness of mango, creating a delicious bridge between past and present. It’s a taste of home, reimagined.