This is one of the best smoothie bowls I’ve ever made. I know I say that all the time, but in this case, I really mean it. I was skeptical about how it would turn out, because sometimes dates make a smoothie too sweet. I shouldn’t have worried.

The key to this bowl is tahini. Without it, the rest of the ingredients would make the smoothie too sticky sweet, like Mediterranean bubble gum.

ANYWAY. The tahini adds a smoky, subtle nutty flavor that balances out the bananas and the dates. A splash of vanilla extract and cinnamon adds to the flavor profile and provides some spice. I’d highly recommend putting some blueberries on top, because they add some much-needed tartness. A sprinkle of granola gives the bowl texture. I’ve said it once, and I’ll probably say it 1,000,000 more times: Texture in food is everything.

In other news, I just saw that it’s Aretha Franklin’s birthday. There are few performers I admire more than Aretha. Her range is astounding and she’s still going strong. I’ve listened to her songs over the years and they’ve always appealed to me on a personal level. This is one of my favorites. It was in the movie Moonlight, which I watched a few weeks ago and I’m obsessed with.

Tahini Date Smoothie Bowl (from me, to you)

Ingredients

1 banana
4 dates, pits removed and sliced into halves
2 tbsp tahini
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
banana slices, blueberries, granola, hemp hearts, and chia seeds for topping

Directions

Blend the banana, dates, tahini, and almond milk in a blender on high until smooth. Top with banana slices, blueberries, granola, hemp hearts, and chia seeds. Enjoy!