Savory Recipes with Matcha (Part I)

Are you passionate about matcha tea and want to know what other uses you can give it, beyond preparing a delicious matcha latte? We have good news for you because your matcha is not just for drinks and desserts! Today, you’ll discover how to include it in your dishes in a tasty and surprising way.

In this article, we will present some of our favorite options: from salad dressings that feature that umami flavor we love, to cold soups and main dishes you might not have known about.

Dressings and Vinaigrettes with Matcha

Matcha and Sesame Dressing

Have you tried matcha dressing with sesame? It's a delicious combination that will turn your salads and favorite dishes into true delights. Best of all, it’s not only delicious but also super healthy, thanks to the nutrients in matcha tea and the rich toasted flavor of sesame. Give it a try! You’ll love it!

What ingredients will you need?

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix the wet ingredients: tahini, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey.
2. Add the matcha and chopped garlic to the mixture and stir until completely dissolved.
3. Incorporate the Greek yogurt and mix until creamy, adjusting the consistency to your desired level.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Mix well and enjoy!

Matcha and Miso Vinaigrette

Getting an original, healthy, and delicious vinaigrette has never been easier! A blend of flavors that will add a unique Japanese touch to your dishes and salads.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 1 tablespoon white miso paste
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water (to adjust consistency)

Preparation:

1. In a small bowl, mix the miso paste with rice vinegar and soy sauce and stir until completely dissolved.
2. Add the matcha and honey to the mixture and stir until well combined.
3. Add the finely chopped garlic and grated ginger (if desired) and mix.
4. Gradually incorporate the olive oil and whisk until the vinaigrette is emulsified.
5. If the vinaigrette is too thick, add water little by little until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.

PRO TIP

Want to know which dishes pair best with these dressings? Here are some ideas!

• For sashimi or poke bowls, the matcha and sesame dressing is amazing. It will bring a freshness and unique delicious flavor!
• How about adding your magic dressing to roasted vegetables? Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers will have a touch that you’ll love.
• And what about spinach and almond salad? One of the most delicious combinations! Try using the matcha and miso blend in a salad with fresh spinach, toasted almonds, mandarin slices, and red onion. It’s truly amazing!
• And why not innovate by adding your vinaigrette to a soba noodle salad? Mix your noodles with edamame, carrots, cucumbers, and green onions. Simply spectacular.

We hope these ideas encourage you to try something new and very original. Enjoy!

Cold Soups with a Touch of Matcha

If you love a good cold dish this time of year, stay tuned! We have the most refreshing and healthy recipes for this summer, with a touch of matcha that will make your meal an unforgettable experience. Grab a pen and paper; you won’t regret it!

Matcha Gazpacho

Enjoy a delicious matcha gazpacho as an alternative to the classic recipe and discover new ways to enjoy summer.

Necessary Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 6 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 slice of white bread, soaked in water and drained
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Cold water (to adjust consistency)

Follow these steps:

1. Place the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in a blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Add the soaked and drained slice of bread to thicken the mixture and give body to the gazpacho.
3. Blend again until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
4. Dissolve the matcha in cold water to avoid lumps and add it to the mixture.
5. Add vinegar and oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend until all ingredients are well integrated.
6. Adjust with cold water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Chill the gazpacho in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Cucumber and Matcha Cold Soup

Are you more of a spoon person? Here’s a refreshing summer soup to combat high temperatures.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup natural Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon matcha powder
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup cold water (adjust according to desired consistency)
• Fresh mint leaves for decoration (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a blender, add the cucumber and Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth and homogeneous.
2. Dissolve the matcha in a bit of cold water and incorporate it into the mixture.
3. Add the chopped garlic and blend again until well integrated.
4. Incorporate the lemon juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until you achieve a homogeneous blend.
5. Adjust the consistency by adding cold water gradually until you reach the desired thickness.
6. Chill the soup for at least 1 hour before serving.
7. Serve the dish garnished with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.

These Recipes Are Your New Favorites

And it's very important for you to know why. They taste great, are low in calories, and help improve your health. Not bad, right? Let us tell you everything:

• Maximum Hydration: Cucumbers and matcha have a high water content, helping to keep your body well hydrated, especially on those intensely hot days.
• Super Antioxidant: Matcha is packed with antioxidants, especially catechins, which combat free radicals and protect your cells from external damage.
• Low in Calories: These soups are light and low in calories, perfect for eating healthy and flavorful.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cucumbers contain antioxidants like vitamin C and caffeic acid, which help reduce inflammation.
• Improves Digestion: Greek yogurt in the soup provides probiotics, which are essential for healthy digestion.

A Few Tips

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh mint, cilantro, or basil leaves on top of the soup for aroma and freshness.
• Place Thin Cucumber Slices on the Rim: This not only enhances the dish's appearance but also hints at the fresh ingredients used.
• Sprinkle a Bit of Matcha Powder on Top: This adds color contrast and highlights the use of matcha in your recipe.

We know these options are delicious and refreshing because we've tried them (just to let you know), and summer is very long! So, we are preparing a second part with more recipes for you to continue enjoying matcha and its benefits in original and tasty ways. See you in the next article!