I love how warming chai tea is. The cinnamon and cloves are just like a nice big hug, and the cardamom and cloves add such a delicious spice to it that I can’t seem to get enough!
The first time I tried it was at Starbucks, where I had their chai latte. It was love at first sip, and whenever I passed one in London (which is just about everywhere!) I had to go in and get one. Since going off refined sugar and dairy, I needed to find an amazing alternative that would keep me happy without having to compromise on flavour, and since it’s currently summer in Sydney (though it’s been super windy and rainy lately) I decided I needed a clean summer version of my addiction.
Besides the amazing healing spices from the chai I’ve also added some cashews and banana for creaminess, and mesquite and lucuma powders for a superfood kick. Also, mesquite has an amazing, caramel-ly taste to it that goes so well with this! And since for me there is no such thing as a shake without vanilla, I’ve added the seeds from the vanilla stalk, which just gives it the most gorgeous speckled look!
Cuisine: Vegan, Healthy, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Raw
Serves: 1
Ingredients
½ cup (60g) raw cashews, soaked overnight
1 cup chai tea*
¼ cup almond milk
½ frozen banana or 4 ice cubes
2 dates, stones removed**
1 vanilla stalk, split
1 tablespoon each of lucuma and mesquite powder (optional, but recommended)
pinch of Himalayan pink salt
cinnamon, to sprinkle on top!
Instructions
Add your cashews, dates, tea, and almond milk to your blender and blend until smooth. This could take a couple of minutes depending how strong your blender is. Be patient as you don't want bits of cashew in your milkshake - we're aiming for smooth!
Add in remaining ingredients and blend again until smooth and creamy!
Serve in a glass with some extra cinnamon sprinkled on top!
Notes
*Simply brew your chai tea according to instructions and let cool! Try and use loose leaf instead of the instant powder!
**If your dates are too dry, soak them in hot water for 30 minutes and then drain them before adding to the shake.
VANILLA - If you don't have a vanilla stalk, just sub for ½ tablespoon pure vanilla extract!
If you have a super amazing blender like a Vitamix you don't have to pre-soak your cashews. Mine isn't all that amazing, so I have to pre-soak mine!
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I love having this shake as a mid-morning pick-me-up, feels like I’m having dessert!!
Have you guys tried chai?? Do you love it as much as I do??
Hi, I'm Teffy, a qualified Nutritionist and avid foodie. This blog is all about inspiring a balanced life through delicious and wholesome foods, with not a diet in sight. Healthy eating shouldn't be hard and stressful, it should be easy and fun - Working with my clients they are constantly amazed that yes, food can taste great AND be good for you!