Banana Nut Smoothie - What are mixtures?

Welcome, Chemists!

    Today, I have a delicious Persian smoothie recipe for you that my mom would make for me on hot summer days. In Persian, we call this drink shir moz, which translates to "banana milk". They're a great way to use up old bananas! All you need is a blender. I know you'll love it! 

   PLEASE NOTE: 

My exact measurements may need to be adjusted for your smoothie because of the way temperature, ripeness, and texture interact when making smoothies (chemistry!). Make sure you read my smoothie tips at the bottom of this post so that you know how to adjust your smoothie to the texture that you like. 

    The lesson that goes along with this recipe is about MIXTURES. You'll be surprised at how much there is to know about something as simple as a mixture!

You can find the video here:

Ingredients:

For 2 servings:

2 bananas (preferably cold)

1 cup milk (or a non-dairy alternative)

1/4 cup shelled pistachios

1/4 cup walnuts

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

1 tsp ground cinnamon (and some more as a garnish)

Ice as needed

Directions:

1. Add pistachios, walnuts, and milk into the blender. Blend at medium speed until the nuts are roughly chopped. 

2. Peel the bananas and break them up into large chunks. Add to blender, along with cinnamon and sesame seeds, and ice. 

3. Blend at a low speed until the banana is incorporated and the smoothie is creamy. 

    
NOTE: If you over-blend the smoothie. it will become watery! If your smoothie does become watery, add some more banana and lightly blend to make it creamy again. 

4. Pour into glasses. Top with some cinnamon, and serve.

TO ADJUST: 

- If your smoothie is too watery: add more banana. In my experience, adding ice only makes this problem worse. 

- If your smoothie is still too watery: try adding some greek yogurt to thicken it. 

- If your smoothie is too thick: add more milk. 

I hope you enjoy the delicious homogenous mixture we've created together.

Enjoy!