Matcha Banana Smoothie

Matcha Banana Smoothie

This creamy and energizing smoothie is a perfect way to start your day or get a midday boost. The earthy notes of matcha are balanced by the natural sweetness of the banana, and the toppings add a delightful texture.

Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the smoothie:
  • 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen
  • 1 teaspoon culinary-grade matcha powder
  • 1/2 cup milk of your choice (dairy milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup ice cubes (optional, if not using a frozen banana)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• For the toppings:
  • Sliced fresh banana
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans work well)
  • Granola or toasted oats
  • A sprinkle of extra matcha powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: If you’re not using a frozen banana, slice a ripe banana and place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This will give the smoothie a thicker, creamier texture.
2. Combine ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine the frozen banana, matcha powder, milk, and ice cubes (if using). If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add the maple syrup or honey now.
3. Blend: Secure the lid and blend on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of matcha powder remaining. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula.
4. Pour and serve: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
5. Add toppings: Garnish with fresh banana slices, chopped nuts, and granola. A small sprinkle of matcha powder can also be a nice finishing touch.
6. Enjoy immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve and enjoy your Matcha Banana Smoothie right away.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it protein-rich: Add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder.
• Boost the nutrition: Incorporate a handful of spinach or kale. The matcha will help mask the green color and the banana will cover any leafy taste.
• For a creamier texture: Add 1-2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or a small scoop of unsweetened almond butter.
• Sweetener alternatives: If you’re avoiding refined sugar, you can use a date or two, pitted, in place of maple syrup or honey.
• Matcha quality: For a better flavor, use culinary-grade matcha powder, which is specifically designed for use in lattes, smoothies, and baking. Ceremonial-grade matcha is also an option, but it’s typically more expensive.

The image shows a wooden matcha whisk (chasen) and a bowl of matcha powder, suggesting that whisking the matcha with a small amount of liquid first to dissolve any clumps can be a good step before adding it to the blender with all the other ingredients.