Acai Bowls

                                                                   

                   

Açaí Bowls (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) are popular smoothie bowls that are served at restaurants, cafés, and smoothie shops. But did you know they are easy to make at home? You only need a few ingredients and a good blender!
Açaí berries are among the only fruits with healthy omega fats, antioxidants, and fiber. The berries are also low in sugar. The flavor is slightly tart with a hint of unsweetened chocolate; the lack of sweetness makes açaí very versatile and perfect for making bowls, as it can be blended with other fruits and topped with fun additions.
To make açaí bowls, I used frozen açaí packets, which you can buy at almost any grocery store. I blend the açaí packets with a little milk, frozen banana, and berries.
And now for the FUN part, customize your bowl with ALL of the toppings. Go crazy or just add a few, it’s up to you! That is the beauty of an açaí bowl: you can build your own! The recipe was adapted from twopeasandtheirpod and serves 6. For fewer servings, use only one acai packet. 

Preparation Tips

• Milk– you can use dairy, almond, coconut, cashew, or soy milk. Coconut water will even work!
• Frozen banana—Use a frozen banana so the acai bowl is nice and thick. I recommend freezing banana slices so they are easier to blend. Slice a banana and put the slices in a freezer bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remove from the freezer right before making the acai bowl.
• Frozen mixed berries– I like using a mixed berry blend with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
• Frozen açaí packets– You can buy açaí packets at the store in the freezer section. I use Sambazon açai packets. 
• Customize your bowl with your favorite toppings. Here are some ideas!Fresh Fruit: strawberries, blueberries, banana slices, raspberries, blackberries, mango, pineapple, or kiwi. Granola: for a nice crunch! Coconut: regular or toasted coconut. Nuts: almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, or cashews. Nut butter: Add a drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or Chia seeds.
• Bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature, leading to foodborne illnesses. Refrigerating your acai bowl can reduce the risk of harmful bacteria growth, preserve freshness, and slow down spoilage. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 cup milk (dairy, almond, coconut, cashew, or soy)
• 1 frozen banana, sliced
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries or from a package (freezer section) 
• 2 frozen acai packets, broken into pieces (I use Sambazon ), thaw packets slightly in warm water 
• Toppings: granola, coconut, nuts, nut butter, chia seeds, hemp hearts, fresh fruit, etc.

DIRECTIONS: 

• To make a thick acai bowl, place the milk, banana, berries, and acai packets in a high-power blender.
• Turn the blender on low and use the tamper to push the frozen fruit and acai down. Continue to blend on low until creamy and smooth. If you need to add a little more milk, you can, but don’t add too much or the mixture will not be thick.
• Divide into two bowls and top with desired toppings, such as granola, coconut, nuts, a drizzle of nut butter, chia seeds, hemp hearts, and/or fresh fruit. Serve immediately.