Okay, so my unpopular opinion is that I don't like açaí.
Listen, okay, as a vegan/typical 20 year old who goes out to expensive smoothie places, I feel obligated to like it, I do. I mean you see all of the pretty little bowls with swirls of coconut and peanut butter and strawberries on top, and yeah it looks great in the pictures, but 9 times out of 10 when I order it, the taste is just - meh. I have a theory that they just load all of those toppings on to cover up the fact that they actual smoothie part tastes like crap.
The problem is that real açaí is basically tasteless. For example, if you ever look at the Sambazon Açaí Original Blend packets, they have to add cane sugar to try and make it sweeter. The unsweetened version of the açaí packets they sell honestly just taste like water and trying to blend up this frozen block of water with your other fruit makes it impossible for your blender to get through it. So you keep adding liquid until your "thick açaí bowl" has become a watery, tasteless mess and you (and me) are disappointed.
The açaí berry itself does have amazing health benefits, and if you're really looking to get those benefits and aren't just in it for the hype, I recommend using an açaí powder instead of the frozen packets. However, the reason I never buy açaí bowls out at restaurants is that I know I can make them so much better at home. And if you don't want to spend 15 dollars on a packet of powder that may sit in your cabinet for months between uses, in this recipe I show you how to make bomb smoothie bowls without any açaí powder at all.
If you've never tried making an Açaí bowl at home, it's not nearly as easy as it looks. The ratio of liquid to frozen fruit is really difficult to get right some times, and I'll admit it took me a long time to figure it out. Thankfully, after making this a million times, now I've got the technique locked in.
Helpful Tips
1. I use all frozen fruit, and this is KEY. I refuse to use ice in my smoothie bowls because it just waters it down. The secret to making it thick, creamy, and naturally sweet is to use all frozen fruit.
2. Use almond milk or your choice of plant-milk instead of water. Again, nobody likes a watery smoothie, and personally I think the almond milk adds extra flavor and creaminess.
3. Use a high-speed blender. I use a Vitamix, and it is honestly God's gift to this earth. It never has a problem chopping up the frozen fruit and blending it smooth. I recommend using the tamper that comes with it to help move the ingredients around inside the blender. If you don't have a Vitamix, you can make it a little easier for your blender by chopping up the fruit into smaller pieces.
This recipe is super easy, and it's been a staple in my diet for months nows! Not to mention it's perfect for this summer time heat!
I hope these tips help you nail your smoothie bowl recipe at home so you can save a little coin next time you're craving something sweet! Plus it comes out so pretty with toppings that you can make it totally insta-worthy!
Love from Austin
– Nicole
