The açaí berry grows in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil. It is widely considered a superfood for its high nutrient values. Açaí berries contain omega 3’s,6’s and 9’s, they are full of vitamins and antioxidants and have less sugar than many other fruits. If you do a little research on these gorgeous berries, you will be impressed by the many claims made regarding health benefits.
Their flavor is similar, but less tart than a blackberry with subtle notes of chocolate. In other words, they are absolute delicious!
Unfortunately, many açaí bowls contain a lot of added sugar and the recipes often call for adding fruit juice, sweeteners and yogurt, which are totally unnecessary and not the way an authentic Brazilian açaí bowl should be made.
Before making this beautiful bowl, I discussed the recipe with my jiu jitsu professor who is from Brazil and very experienced in the art of whipping up these healthy, refreshing dishes. He said that an authentic açaí bowl should contain only 3 main ingredients… açaí, a ripe banana and a splash of guarana syrup. So, acting on his sound advice, this is how I make my açaí bowls and they always turn out perfect. Thick and smooth with perfectly balanced flavors.
Let’s get started…
You should be able to find pure organic unsweetened frozen açaí at your grocery store or on Amazon and they usually come in 100 gram packets. You will need 400 grams for a meal sized açaí bowl or 2 snack sized bowls. Look at the ingredients, because you don’t want anything added into your açaí. Now, if you can only find the açaí with guarana added, thats ok, then you just won’t add it in again when you are making the bowl.
Guarana, also native to Brazil, has its own impressive benefits. It contains similar antioxidants to those in green tea and is an excellent natural source of caffeine. From improving blood flow and mental focus to multiple antibacterial components, guarana has a long list of benefits. It is quite delicious too!
Start by placing 400 grams of frozen açaí into your blender. Add 1 ripe banana, 1 tablespoon of guarana and blend away.
The texture of an authentic açaí bowl should be thick…. real thick. I was told that if you flip the bowl upside down, it should stay inside, so we are looking for a nice thick consistency. Your blender may have to put some extra effort in initially, but resist the urge to add liquid! Pulse it a few times, turn the blender off, push things around with a silicone spatula and then pulse again.
Look at that thick, silky texture. This is exactly what you are looking for. Once everything is smooth and fully incorporated, transfer it into a bowl and add your toppings…
One of the many great things about making your own smoothie bowl is that you can top it however you want! It’s your smoothie bowl, so have fun with it. Today, I am adding some vanilla granola and fresh fruit. Simple and delicious.
If you are looking for a simple, delicious and super healthy way to start your day, then I would highly recommend giving this authentic açaí bowl a try. It takes just a few minutes to whip up and packs so many vitamins, minerals, nutrients and antioxidants.
Bom apetite!
Authentic Açaí Bowl
Ingredients
- 400 grams of pure unsweetened açaí, frozen
- 1 tablespoon of guarana syrup (or honey)
- 1 very ripe banana
- granola (optional garnish)
- fresh fruit, diced (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Add 400 grams of frozen açaí, 1 ripe banana and 1 tablespoon of guarana syrup in your blender
- Pulse until fully combined, but still quite thick
- Add toppings
- Serve immediately
