I stumbled upon this one around St. Patty’s Day last year. How appropriate! Can’t believe it’s taken me so long to share it with all of you! 

This will be a departure for some with the tahini, silken tofu, avocado and wheatgrass. In fact, as I am reviewing the recipe, the only common ground I may have with some of you is the frozen banana. 

But think of it like this. Tahini is a spread made from sesame seeds and similar in texture to creamy peanut butter—the flavor is different though, more subtle. And we all know how overpowering peanut butter can be. (Not that there is anything wrong with that!) Silken tofu and avocado act like Greek yogurt, adding creaminess and, in the case of tofu, some protein. There’s no equivalent to wheatgrass, I’m sorry, but that’s why the lime juice. Citrus curbs the freshly cut grass taste you might expect. Of course skip the wheatgrass all together if you really can’t stomach the thought! 

If you’re unfamiliar with some of these ingredients, here are a few suggestions. 

• Tahini: I like the Krinos variety I can find at Publix in the international food aisle. Whole Foods carries Once Again Nut Butter Tahini, which is a treat, as is Soom tahini made by a family out of Philadelphia. It’s their tahini that Mike Solomonov uses to make the hummus that made his Israeli restaurant Zahav famous. Tahini is also a key ingredient in hummus and can be used, mixed with other dressing ingredients, as a sauce for roasted vegetables and meats. 
• Silken tofu: I like the Nasoya brand. It’s not like firmer tofu, but rather can be scooped out with the slightest force. It is largely tasteless and I’ll also use it to make creamy salad dressings. 
• Wheatgrass: You can find Evergreen wheatgrass juice frozen into individual packets online or at Whole Foods. 

I dare you to try this one! 

Green Dream Smoothie
Makes 1

1 frozen banana
2-3 ounces silken tofu
1/2 avocado
Spoonful of tahini
1/4 cup almond milk
Wheatgrass shot, slightly thawed
1-2 tablespoons lime juice

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.