Indian Restaurant Inspired Canteloupe Mint Smoothie

Canteloupe doesn't come in season in North Carolina for several more months, but I'm seeing them on sale more and more at the store. One of my favorite ways to eat canteloupe is smothered in the yogurt mint sauce served at our favorite Indian restaurant. I thought I'd try to make a smoothie that captures this unique taste sensation. This recipe is a refreshing version with the lightly sweet melon, fresh mint and a sprinkling of cayenne pepper for heat. The texture is thinner than a traditional smoothie, but adding ice just waters it down. Top with a fresh sprig of mint and a sprinkling of cayenne pepper and get your morning off to a great start.

Spiced Canteloupe Mint Smoothie

1 canteloupe, seeded and pulp scooped out

5 or 6 fresh mint leaves

1 Tb honey

pinch of cayenne pepper

kefir or 1 cup plain yogurt and milk/soy milk

1.) Place canteloupe, mint and honey in blender. 

2.) If using yogurt and milk or soy milk, then add the yogurt and blend, adding milk/soy milk until you get a smooth consistency. You may have to add more honey than shown above if you're using plain yogurt.

3.) If using kefir, blend ingredients, adding kefir as you go until you get the desired consistency.

4.) Top with a fresh mint sprig and a sprinkling of cayenne pepper.