WHY I LOVE MATCHA (& MY 6 GO-TO RECIPES)

WHY I LOVE MATCHA (& MY 6 GO-TO RECIPES)

I´m OBSESSED with Matcha. I have it near enough every day. I don´t drink coffee, so Matcha is my daily caffeine fix, always giving me that extra hit and boost of energy. Don´t know what Matcha is? It´s basically finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea. So a really condensed version of a regular green tea bag (one single serving of Matcha is the equivalent of 10 cups of regular green tea!). Do you see why I´m addicted?

MATCHA-1

Sure, high quality and pure matcha doesn’t come cheap (a low price tag can be a red flag for a poor quality product!), but you can use it sparingly (especially as it´s so condense) and you definetely don´t have to have it every day. Just whenever you fancy an extra kick and pick-me-up! I personally love TeaPigs, Eatclean & Pure Chimp, for the intense flavour, taste and overall health benefits.

matcha

Now, if you don’t like regular green tea, chances might be you won´t like Matcha; the taste is strong (hence why many prefer to sweeten it). All I would say is that if my husband can drink it – anyone can (trust me). It´s all about what your taste buds are used to! Not convinced? Well, amongst its many health benefits, matcha…

Is packed with antioxidants.
Helps boost your metabolism and burns calories. 
Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium. 
Helps calm the mind and relaxes the body. 
Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins.
Detoxifies effectively (and naturally).
Helps enhance your mood and aids in concentration

Helps enhance your mood and aids in concentration.
Can lower your cholesterol and blood sugar. 
Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium. 

Still not convinced? Check out my go-to recipes below (they’re delicious, I promise).


1. MATCHA CLASSIC

MATCHA-2

This version is definitely the “healthiest” and purest option, where you’ll get the most benefits from the matcha. It can be a bit of an acquired taste though, so go easy in the beginning with the amount (the daily recommended intake is 1 tsp), rather working yourself up to this amount.

INGREDIENTS
Serves 1
1/2-1 tsp of matcha powder & 1 cup of hot water.

DIRECTIONS
Boil your water and pour it in the cup. Add the 1tsp of matcha and blend until smooth using either an electrical drinks frother or bamboo whisk. If you don´t have either, pour the water in a larger bowl with the matcha, and use a regular whisk to stir until there are no lumps.  

*If you prefer it as a shot (to get it over with), just half the amount of water! 


2. MATCHA LATTE (Hot or Cold)

IMG_0831

I can easily have one of these a day… Blended with creamy and naturally sweet almond milk (if I don´t make it myself, I always use Rude Health´s Almond Milk, which is the cleanest shop bought option out there) – it really hits the spot, either to compliment my breakfast, or as an afternoon snack.

INGREDIENTS
Serves 1
1 cup of almond milk (you can use oat or coconut milk too)½-1 tsp of matcha powder ½ tsp of organic honey or date syrup (optional). 

DIRECTIONS
Hot option: Heat the milk up slowly in the pan. Add the matcha to the pan and whisk with your frother or bamboo whisk (or transfer it to a larger bowl and use a regular whisk), until it´s smooth and creamy. Add a sweetener of your choice (optional) and stir in.

Cold option: Pour the milk, matcha and sweetener of your choice into your blender (I use a NutriBullet or Vitamix) with a small handful of ice. Blend until smooth! So delicious. 


3. MATCHA BERRY SMOOTHIE

berry

This is a great recipe if you want to take away the green flavour! This is such a great recipe; as a breakfast or even a post-workout smoothie. It´s filled with lots of good fats, calcium, protein, vitamins, antioxidants… In other words, a powerhouse of a smoothie!

INGREDIENTS
Serves 1
1/2 frozen avocado, 1/2 frozen banana, 1 tsp matcha powder, 1 tbsp Maca Powder, 1/2  cup almond milk, 1 cup yoghurt (regular, coconut or soya), 1 tsp chia seeds & a handful of frozen 
blueberries.

DIRECTIONS
Pour all the almond milk and yoghurt of your choice into your blender first, followed by the rest of the ingredients. Blend until creamy and smooth. Sprinkle some chia seeds and fresh berries on top. 


4. MATCHA CHIA PUDDING

matcha

Another breakfast and snack staple of mine is a Chia Pudding. Not only does it take minutes to prepare, but add a teaspoon of matcha to it, and you´ve got yourself the perfect start to the day.

INGREDIENTS
Serves 1
3 tbsp of chia seeds
1 small cup of almond or coconut milk1 tsp of matcha powder1/2 tsp raw vanilla powder, sprinkling of flaxseeds or chopped nuts, topped with fresh fruit. 

DIRECTIONS
Place the chia seeds, milk and matcha in a bowl and stir until smooth. Cover with cling film and place in fridge, preferably overnight so the chia seeds are properly soaked. Next morning, top it off with the flaxseeds or chopped nuts, and your favourite fruit topping, and voilá, your chia pudding awaits!


5. MATCHA BREAKFAST BOWL

MATCHABOWL-5

Another one of my go-to breakfast bowls, when I need that extra boost of energy and vitamin kick. It´s filled with antioxidants, fiber, calcium and protein. Topped off with the sweet granola, sour berries and crunchy coconut flakes, makes this a winning brekkie any day.

INGREDIENTS
Serves 1
200g yoghurt (regular, coconut or soya), 
1/2 tsp matcha powder, 1 handful of mixed berries, 2 tbsp of homemade sugar-free granola, 1 tsp of chia seeds & a sprinkling of coconut flakes. 

DIRECTIONS
Mix the yoghurt and matcha powder in a bowl until all blended and smooth. Top off with granola, chia seeds, mixed berries and the coconut flakes. Simples!


6. MATCHA BERRY POPSICLES

popsicle

Now that summer´s on our doorstep, it´s the perfect time to make some homemade, and healthy popsicles! With you guessed it: matcha! Either all green or with some extra fruit to add some sweetness. I love adding frozen berries and banana… Dreamy.

INGREDIENTS
Almond or coconut milk, frozen banana, frozen berries, 1-2 tsp matcha (depending on your popsicle tray) & raw honey (optional).

DIRECTIONS
There are no accurate measurements here as it all depends on the size and amount of popsicle tray you have – so just play around with the amount. Throw all your ingredients into the blender and mix until smooth, pour into your tray and freeze. 


Matcha is also great to pop in pancakes, waffles, muffins, cookies, nut butters, energy balls… Add it in whatever takes your fancy really.Oh, and it´s a great colour too – especially if you want to impress your guests at a dinner party with a fancy pudding!

Check out my Matcha Pinterest board for more recipe inspo (all the above recipes are my own). 

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8 Comments

    • Anneli Bush
      Author
      May 30, 2016 / 20:06

      Haha! No, it´s not for everyone I guess, but I still love it :)

  1. Gayle
    May 30, 2016 / 10:14

    Love matcha too! So delicious x

    • Anneli Bush
      Author
      May 30, 2016 / 20:06

      Glad you´re a fan too! :)

  2. Sophia
    May 30, 2016 / 17:45

    Yum! Great recipes :)

    • Anneli Bush
      Author
      May 30, 2016 / 20:06

      Thanks!

  3. Amy Kizildagli
    August 4, 2016 / 06:53

    Wonderful post! Robert and I are going to try the Matcha craze! His mum swears by it and often drinks at tea ceremonies in Brazil that she goes too…so modestely elegant, beautiful and healthy! ❤️

    • Anneli Bush
      Author
      August 9, 2016 / 09:11

      Thanks lovely Amy! I am obsessed, feel so good for having it every week! :)

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