The latest buzzed about “It” superfood is matcha and we can’t get enough. The powdered green tea provides sustained energy boost, loads of antioxidants, increased metabolism, and a caffeine hit without the jittery after-effect.
Although it’s been a staple in the Japanese tea world for decades, it has only recently landed stateside and is being added to everything from smoothies and pancakes to brownies and chocolate mousse.
We recently went on Let’s talk Live to discuss Matcha and thought we’d share a couple fun facts and a couple recipes we prepared on air: a Chia Pudding with Market Cherries & Toasted Coconut as well as Matcha Roasted Vegetables with Sesame Oil.
About Matcha:
- Matcha means “powdered tea.” When you order traditional green tea, components from the leaves get infused into the hot water, then the leaves are discarded. With matcha, you’re drinking the actual leaves, which have been finely powdered and made into a solution.
- The taste of matcha is pretty strong. Some people describe it as grass or spinach-like, and it has an umami taste. That’s why a lot of people use it as an ingredient in desserts—it works well with sweeter dishes.
- Matcha is rich in antioxidants that have been tied to protection against heart disease and cancer, as well as better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, and anti-aging.
- It may also help boost metabolism!
- I’m making two delicious seasonal matcha-infused dishes: Matcha Chia Pudding with Market Cherries & Toasted Coconut as well as Matcha Roasted Vegetables with Sesame Oil.
Sesame Matcha Marinade & Dressing
*This recipe can be used as a marinade, dressing or topping sauce – it’s that versatile!
Ingredients for marinade:
- 1/2 tsp mirin
- 2 tsp soy sauce (non gmo)
- 2 TB Rice Wine Vinegar
- 2 TB Sesame Oil
- 1/4 Cup Grapeseed or Canola Oil (a more neutral tasting oil so avoid Olive Oil and Avocado Oil)
- 1 TB Sesame Seeds or to look/taste
- 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp matcha
*Plus 1 bunch asparagus
Serves: 4 – 6
Whisk together first 5 ingredients for the marinade or dressing. Then prepare the asparagus by pan sautéing or roasting.
Pan Sauté : Turn stove on med high heat pan first, add: 1 TB Canola Oil, Dash of Sesame Oil and a touch/to taste of ginger. Add Asparagus then saute for 3 mins and add sauce/mix/take of heat. Garnish Sesame seeds and dust with matcha
Roast: Marinate 1 bunch of asparagus for a few hours in the marinade. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roast asparagus on aluminum foil or cooking sheet for 15 minutes. Toss in dressing and garnish with sesame seeds and matcha powder.
Matcha Chia Pudding
Ingredients for pudding:
- 1 cup vanilla, coconut or plain yogurt from grass-fed cows or coconut milk yogurt
- 1 – 3 tsp matcha powder (to taste)
- 1/2 TB honey
- 1 TB chia seeds
- Fresh berries, cherries or fruit from the market!
Serves: 2 – 3
Mix yogurt and honey, add matcha and mix then add chia seeds and mix. Top with fruit of choice.
Have you tried drinking or cooking with matcha? Would love to know what you think!
