Need a picker-upper? Made with banana, almond milk, and green tea powder, this vegan Matcha Smoothie (抹茶スムージー) is the perfect refreshing drink for mornings or after your run. Out of the wide variety of smoothie recipes offered on the internet, this one is the way to go. Matcha is a delicate flavor, and when combined with banana, it makes an unmatchable creamy deliciousness. As a traditional flavor, matcha is used in many Japanese desserts and drinks; however, its integration into smoothie culture has transformed it into a refreshing and energizing treat to be enjoyed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It provides you a long-lasting energy without the crash. Matcha is well-known for its ability to energize because the caffeine is let out slowly, giving you a longer hit of energy, unlike your average shot of espresso. Matcha has many health benefits, which include vitamin C as well as antioxidants. Helps curb your midday sugar cravings. My recipe includes banana and no other sweeteners. With the natural sweetness from bananas, you’ll feel full and satiated for a long time. It’s the perfect healthy and tasty refreshment.
As a matcha lover, this drink is the perfect break from your average Matcha Latte or Iced Matcha Latte. With the health benefits and tastiness this drink brings, this easy recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious supplement.
How to Make Matcha Smoothie Recipe
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Banana (or Frozen Banana) Ice cubes – Leave out the ice cubes if you use a frozen banana. Unsweetened almond milk – Alternatively, you can use dairy milk, coconut milk, and oat milk. Ceremonial-grade matcha (green tea powder)
The Cooking Steps
Matcha vs. Green Tea
First, let me clarify that there is a common misconception between green tea and matcha. Unlike regular green tea, matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves that have been stone-ground into fine powder. While green tea is an infusion of tea leaves, matcha incorporates the entire leaf, resulting in a more concentrated source of nutrients and caffeine. Thus, matcha is not something you can make by grinding green tea leaves that you would normally drink at home or in a restaurant. For this recipe, you must use matcha (green tea powder) and not green tea leaves. You can read all about matcha in this article.
Matcha Shopping Tips
You can also find a small tin or bag of matcha powder imported from Japan at Japanese grocery stores like Mitsuwa, Marukai, and Nijiya, or local tea shops. Ceremonial grade matcha is what you need for making matcha beverages.
Recipe Tips and Techniques
When making a smoothie, make sure to add the most difficult-to-blend ingredient (ice for this instance) at the bottom of your blender first. If the consistency isn’t right, try adding more liquid. If the taste/lack of sweetness isn’t to your liking, try adding a tiny spoonful of honey or agave syrup to sweeten the smoothie in a healthy manner. To achieve an even more creamy texture, try adding yogurt to the mixture. To amp up the nutrients of the matcha smoothie, feel free to sneak in some greens. A handful of chopped kale or baby spinach works well with this smoothie. Use less if you don’t wish to overpower the taste of matcha.
How to Store Matcha Smoothie
To Store: Refrigerate leftover matcha smoothie in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 2 days for maximum freshness. To Freeze: Freeze the matcha smoothie in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. Defrost before enjoying.
More Matcha Drinks & Desserts to Enjoy
Iced Matcha Latte Matcha Latte (Hot) How to Make Matcha Matcha Pudding Matcha Soufflé Pancakes
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