Saffron/Cantaloupe smoothie

October 17, 2014 • Category: Beverages

I brought saffron with me from Dubai. The heat index here in Beirut did not call for a huge biryani. I had to come-up with something refreshing that would pass muster. The twenty-something that I hang out with are smoothie experts. They approved. Inhaled, in fact.

INGREDIENTS: 2 servings

1 cup milk
1 pinch of saffron
2 tablespoons honey
1 small canteloupe (about 2 cups cut-up)
1 banana
pistachios, garnish (optional)

1. Heat the milk and sprinkle the saffron over it; let it infuse away from heat, then refrigerate for a couple of hours or longer. Place the saffron-flavored milk, the honey, canteloupe, banana in a blender and purée the mixture. Serve cold or with crushed ice if desired. Garnish with chopped pistachios for a Lebanese touch.