Matcha tea can confidently be called the most popular beverage on planet Earth in 2021. Such a huge demand for the drink has never been seen before. It is the number 1 tea in the world.
We have already written about what matcha is, its benefits, and how to drink it. Now we will detail in which drinks and dishes it can be used to add sophistication. By the way, most recipes are taken from cookbooks of famous restaurants around the world that do not hide their methods of preparing food and drinks.
Matcha – what dishes and drinks can be prepared
All kinds of culinary creations can be immediately divided into 3 main groups:
- Drinks.
- Main dishes.
- Desserts.
The feature of matcha tea is its full compatibility with ingredients based on different foundations. The focus of preparation shifts towards taste qualities. After all, the tea has a pronounced flavor, and during thermal processing, it changes its qualities. These criteria must be taken into account to avoid spoiling the dish.
On amateur forums, you can find recommendations from “professionals” claiming that matcha can be used in any quantities, as long as taste preferences are respected. Such statements are made by theorists who have never dealt with matcha. Tea contains caffeine – in large amounts, it is contraindicated for people of all ages. Therefore, moderation in using the ingredient is recommended.
Non-alcoholic matcha drinks – cold and hot
Matcha latte – the most popular drink, which can be enjoyed chilled or warm. To prepare, you will need:
- Filtered water 50-100 ml, heated to 70-80 degrees Celsius. Do not use boiling water – otherwise, the brewed matcha will become bitter.
- Matcha powder – 2-3 grams.
- Low-fat milk – 150 ml. Suitable options include cow, goat, almond, coconut, soy. The taste of different types of milk gives its own shade – this should be considered.
- Sweetener (if necessary). Sugar, honey, sugar substitutes.
The technology of preparing matcha latte in restaurants involves a whisk for frothing milk and mixing all ingredients into one mixture. No need to spend time searching for dishes and accessories. You can contact companies offering to buy matcha tea. Sellers will provide the necessary dishes and also explain how to use them correctly.
At home, this operation can be done with a regular teaspoon. The main thing is to stir constantly before drinking, as matcha tends to settle at the bottom of the glass. It is better to use thermal mugs or glasses capable of retaining the temperature of liquids for a long time.
Matcha smoothies – cocktail drinks with added fruits attract health-conscious enthusiasts. A high caffeine content hour is used as an energy booster capable of quickly invigorating the body. Smoothies are consumed in the morning, after sleep, or after active physical exercises (workouts). Fruits are chosen to taste – banana, strawberry, kiwi, peach, pear, melon, pumpkin. The recipe for matcha smoothies is very extensive:
- Filtered warm water (up to 40 degrees Celsius) – 150-200 ml.
- Fruits – 100 grams.
- Matcha tea – 2-3 grams.
All of this is blended until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. Sweeteners are better not to use, as fruits already contain enough sugar.
Online, you can find recipes for preparing alcoholic drinks based on matcha. All this is great, but dangerous for the body. A powerful energy drink with alcohol is a direct road to cardiology issues.
Main dishes with matcha tea
What you should never do is add matcha to meat products. Lovers of exotic dishes can bake chicken, veal, quail, or rabbit with matcha tea. But they will quickly realize that tea does not go well with meat. Moreover, matcha increases metabolism, causing uncontrollable appetite. An exception is fatty fish. Chefs in restaurants use matcha to add piquancy to dishes. For example, salmon and catfish – you can make a sauce or broth with lemon juice and matcha tea.
Vegetable dishes and side dishes are a different matter. Tea, in small doses, can give dishes sophistication. The best combination is plant-based products with bright taste qualities – mushrooms, asparagus, cabbage. Also, legumes – beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils. Tea matcha is not used with vegetables, as spices like pepper or herbs overpower the flavor.
Desserts with matcha tea – unlimited possibilities
Pancakes, cookies, cakes, tiramisu, cheesecakes, muffins, biscuits – there are no restrictions. The ingredient is added according to salt proportions. It is better to limit the amount of matcha to 5 grams per serving. Do not bake the dough with tea, as high temperatures will cause bitterness. The ingredient is used in fillings or toppings.
Another interesting way to prepare a dessert with matcha is jelly. The base is gelatin, which dissolves in hot water (according to instructions) and cools. Into the already lukewarm mixture, add matcha – no more than 3 grams per serving. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate. During jelly preparation with matcha, ready-made flavor mixes should not be used. Gelatin in pure form and matcha. You can add a sweetener in the form of honey or sugar.
In conclusion about matcha in various dishes and drinks
The ingredient can be confidently compared to ginger, as its taste qualities are directly related to the used volumes. Matcha, like ginger, can cause heartburn, stomach upset, or increased blood pressure. It is important not to overuse this component and to use it wisely.
