Sweet Matcha Dream Smoothie

• •4 teaspoon matcha powder, ceremonial or culinary grade
• •3 large bananas, ripe, peeled, and frozen
• •2.5 cup almond milk, unsweetened (or other milk of choice)
• •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• •2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, optional (adjust to taste)
• •1 cup ice cubes, optional (for extra chill/thickness)

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients. For optimal creaminess and chill, ensure bananas are peeled and frozen for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

2. 2

   Add the frozen bananas, matcha powder, almond milk, and vanilla extract into a high-speed blender. If you desire a sweeter smoothie or extra chill, add the optional honey or maple syrup and ice cubes at this stage.

3. 3

   Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop the blender and use a spatula to scrape down the sides, pushing any unblended ingredients towards the blades to ensure a uniform consistency.

4. 4

   Check the smoothie's consistency. If it's too thick for your preference, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of milk at a time and blend again until the desired flow is achieved. If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add a few more frozen banana slices or ice cubes and re-blend.

5. 5

   Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness if necessary. Add more honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink, blending briefly to incorporate.

6. 6

   Pour the Sweet Matcha Dream Smoothie into four serving glasses. Serve immediately to enjoy its refreshing taste and creamy texture.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Always use ripe, frozen bananas for the best texture and natural sweetness. They are key to achieving a thick, creamy smoothie without excessive ice.
• 💡The quality of your matcha powder significantly impacts the flavor and color. Opt for ceremonial or a good quality culinary grade matcha for a vibrant green hue and less bitterness.
• 💡Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your perfect smoothie consistency. Start with the suggested amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
• 💡For an added nutritional boost, consider blending in a handful of fresh spinach (its flavor will be completely masked by the other ingredients) or a scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder.
• 💡If you don't have a high-speed blender, allow the frozen bananas to thaw for 5-10 minutes before blending, and blend in short bursts, using the tamper (if available) to assist the process.