Green smoothies have become very fashionable these days. Try searching it and you’ll probably get a million hits, each one claiming to be the best.  Would I claim this radish laban to be the best green smoothie ever? No, because I know every single one of us have their own preferences when it comes to food. Whether sweet or savoury smoothie, if there is such thing as a savoury smoothie!!, it all depends on one’s desire on that day. And so you know.. yes I have made a green sweet smoothie out of radish leaves, adapting it from the famous and fashionable kale smoothie, endorsed by celebrities and fitness experts globally. This time I wanted a savoury one and since mint is very commonly mixed with the traditional Middle Eastern laban, I wanted to give radish leaves a go. The verdict.. well it works, for me anyway. Try it and let me know what you think.

Some nutritional facts..

Radish leaves are rich in vitamin A and calcium, have lots of vitamin C, iron and also contain vitamins B1 and B2. Larger, tougher radish leaves can be exceedingly strong tasting, but when mixed with other herbs or spinach for example, they give a pleasant heat and pungency which I personally find satisfying. 

Radish Laban – Serves 2

Ingredients

• 2 cups / bunches of radish leaves, rough stalks removed
• A few mint or basil leaves
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup / 250 ml thick yoghurt
• 1 – 2 cups / 250-500 ml water, depending on how thin you like it
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (e.g. Maldon)
• A few ice cubes, optional

Add all of the above ingredients into a blender, whiz until smooth. Pour into glasses, add ice cubes if desired and enjoy!

Zayneb