Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Now I’m sure you’re all wondering why a Middle Eastern food blogger would be celebrating an Irish holiday. Yes, I am from the Middle East but my husband’s paternal grandmother was Irish and my brother’s wife is Northern Irish. That makes my daughter and nephew part Irish and the main reason I celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

When my brother and sister-in-law lived in Northern Ireland, they would celebrate on top of Slemish Mountain. The mountain is believed to be the first known home of Saint Patrick and every year on March 17, large crowds hike up to the top of the mountain as a pilgrimage. Parades are held all over the world and millions of people gather to celebrate their Irish heritage.

Since this is a Paleo food blog, I thought it would be fun to make a green smoothie in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. This Paleo green smoothie is loaded with vitamins, minerals and delicious fruits and vegetables. It has a special ingredient that I wasn’t very familiar with until I brought it home and researched it. Baobab is a super fruit that is loaded with Vitamin C electrolytes, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium and fiber. How cool is that?

Smoothies are, by far, my four year old’s favorite midday treat. Since she requests one a few times a week, I like to sneak in a few ingredients she wouldn’t normally eat on their own. She’s usually not a fan of spinach but loves it in her smoothie and thinks it’s the coolest for turning her smoothie green, especially on a day like today.

Every year, I read the story of Saint Patrick to my daughter and I make Shepherd’s Pie for dinner in honor of our family’s Irish heritage. How do you and your family celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Makes 18-20 ounces

Ingredients:

2 cups spinach

1/2 cup frozen mangoes

1/2 cup frozen *pineapples

1/2 frozen banana

1/4 ripe avocado

2 tablespoons baobab powder

1 cup water

1 cup nut milk

1 tablespoon raw honey (if needed)

Chia seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour in cups. Top with a sprinkle of chia seeds. Enjoy!

Sahtain!

Arabic word for pineapple: ananas