Licuado de Banana

Name: Licuado de Banana
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Argentine
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) cold milk; 1 tsp sugar — optional

10 minutes prep Serves 2 vegetarian, gluten-free

Licuado de banana is a beloved staple in Argentinian homes, often enjoyed as a refreshing afternoon snack. This simple yet satisfying drink brings together ripe bananas and cold milk, effortlessly blended into a creamy concoction. It's a familiar sound in kitchens across the country, as blenders whir to life post-siesta, offering a quick energy boost before the evening begins.

The licuado should be smooth and rich, with the natural sweetness of the bananas enhanced by just a touch of sugar. The drink is meant to be sipped slowly, allowing the subtle flavors to meld on the palate, creating a comforting and nourishing pause in the day.

Ingredients

2ripe bananas
400 ml (1 2/3 cups)cold milk
1 tspsugar — optional

Method

Peel the 2 ripe bananas and break them into smaller chunks. This will make it easier for your blender to process them smoothly. Place the banana pieces into the blender jar.
Pour 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) of cold milk into the blender with the bananas. The cold milk helps to create a refreshing and smooth texture, which is essential for a good licuado.
Secure the lid on the blender and blend the mixture on high speed. Continue blending until the bananas and milk are completely smooth, with no visible banana chunks remaining. This should result in a creamy, uniform liquid.
Taste the blended mixture to determine its sweetness. If the bananas are not sweet enough, add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Blend again briefly to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and evenly distributed.
Pour the licuado into a glass and serve immediately. The texture is best when freshly blended, as it will thicken if left to sit for too long.
For a more filling option, consider adding a second banana to the blender before blending. This will make the licuado thicker and more substantial, turning it into a satisfying snack.