Delicious and Nutritious Matcha Smoothie Bowl Recipe

This matcha smoothie bowl recipe is a guaranteed feel-good pick-me-up. It visually looks as though it's filled with pure goodness, and it really is.

A smoothie bowl is like a smoothie drink, but thicker, so it's more like a meal than a snack. A matcha smoothie bowl like this one is full of healthy and helpful ingredients, plus all the incredible benefits of matcha, a finely ground green tea powder that's rich in antioxidants and can boost metabolism.

When blended with frozen fruits like banana and mango, it creates this luscious smoothie bowl that tastes good and leaves you feeling boosted, full, and ready to go.

A smoothie bowl is really easy to customise, too. You could start with this recipe (which we think tastes perfect as it is), but play around with different options from fresh berries to crunchy cacao nibs as toppers – whatever makes it perfect for you.

Whether you're looking for a refreshing start to your day or a post-workout meal, this matcha smoothie bowl ticks all the boxes, and it's simple to make.

What Is Matcha?

Matcha is a traditional Japanese green tea made from specially grown tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder.

This method allows us to consume the entire leaf, which in turn provides a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants compared to standard steeped green tea, and a more intense flavour.

The origins of matcha date back over 900 years, rooted in Zen Buddhist practices. It has been cherished for its calming yet energising effects, making it a staple in tea ceremonies and daily rituals.

The vibrant green colour of matcha stems from its high chlorophyll content, a result of the shading process the plants undergo before harvest. This process enhances its colour, but more importantly boosts its nutrient profile.

Matcha Health Benefits

• Contains catechins – particularly the remarkable EGCg. This specific antioxidant plays a key role in fighting free radicals in the body, and could help in the prevention of chronic diseases, including heart-related issues and certain cancers.
• Promotes a healthy metabolism – regular consumption can boost our calorie-burning potential, even while at rest. This thermogenic effect helps us maintain or lose weight without sacrificing energy.
• Supports mental clarity and focus – the combination of caffeine and L-theanine gives us the energy boost we need, without the jittery side effects. This means improved concentration and mood, and less stress.
• Rich in dietary fibre, chlorophyll, and essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, selenium, and magnesium – these components work together to strengthen our immune system, detoxify our bodies, and provide the nutrients necessary for optimal health.

With Matcha Flow, which combines matcha with adaptogens and functional mushrooms, these benefits are enhanced. This blend not only improves flavour but also supports our wellbeing through stress reduction and immune support.

By incorporating matcha into our daily routine, we unlock a health-boosting supplement that nourishes both our bodies and minds.

Ingredients

To make this nutritious matcha smoothie bowl, we need the following ingredients. These will create a creamy base infused with matcha's unique flavours and health benefits:

• 1 banana sliced into 6-8 chunks, frozen
• 150g of frozen mango chunks
• 1 teaspoon of Matcha Flow
• 55g of fresh spinach
• 60 ml of milk (your preferred plant-based choice)

• 25g of blueberries
• ½ tablespoon Cacao nibs
• ½ tablespoon pumpkin seeds

Instructions

1. In a high-speed blender, add the frozen banana, frozen mango, and fresh spinach.
2. Also add the milk to the blender, but only half of it to start with.
3. Start blending on a low setting, gradually increasing to high. Blend for about 30 to 60 seconds, or until you have a creamy and smooth consistency, ensuring there are no lumps.
4. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk. Blend briefly again until you reach a nice, smooth texture.
5. Now, in a small bowl, add the Matcha Flow and 2 tbsp of warm water, and whisk together until it is completely lump-free.
6. Add the bowl of Matcha Flow and water to the blender, and mix again.
7. Once blended, pour the smoothie mixture into a large bowl, ready to serve.
8. Before you get stuck in, sprinkle the smoothie with your choice of toppings. Arrange blueberries, sprinkle cacao nibs, and add pumpkin seeds to enhance both flavour and texture.
9. Serve immediately! Enjoy the smoothie bowl right away for best results.

Top Tips

Use a Decent Blender: A high-speed blender is crucial for achieving the creamy consistency we want for our smoothie bowl. If you've got a good blender available, it will make less fuss and mess with frozen fruits and leafy greens, and give you a smooth texture with zero clumps.

Experiment with Milk: We can experiment with different types of milk, like almond milk for a nutty flavour, or coconut milk. But stick with plant-based milk, as dairy milk can counteract the benefits of the Matcha.

Swap Greens: Fresh or frozen greens such as kale or Swiss chard can boost the nutrient profile without compromising taste.

Try New Toppings: Get playful with different toppings, textures and flavours. Consider adding chopped nuts for crunch, or seeds like chia or flaxseed for extra fibre and omega-3s.

Add Fresh Herbs: A flutter of mint or basil can add a refreshing twist to this recipe.

Chill Your Bowl: Like a cold glass for a cold drink, pre-chill your serving bowl in the freezer. This helps keep the smoothie bowl refreshingly cool for longer.

Consistency Adjustment: If you think your smoothie is too thick, very gradually add more milk until it reaches just how you like it. Or if you want a thicker blend, blend in more frozen ingredients.

Storage Recommendations

We recommend you make this recipe up as and when you want it, for ultimate freshness. However, this smoothie mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Having Trouble Blending?

If you find yourself struggling to get that perfect consistency, it could be all about the blender. Here’s how to ensure your smoothie bowl is irresistibly silky.

1. Choose the Right Blender

A high-speed blender is essential. A standard or overworked blender may struggle to properly break down frozen fruits or greens, which will force you into adding too much milk. Consider investing in a blender with at least 1000 watts of power for optimal results.

2. Layering the Ingredients

The order in which we add our ingredients can significantly affect the blending process. Start with the milk first, followed by the softer ingredients like spinach and then the frozen fruits. This layering technique helps the blades to move freely and blend everything evenly.

3. Don’t Overfill the Blender

Avoid overloading the blender with ingredients. If the container is too full, the blades may struggle to circulate effectively. Leave some space to allow for better movement, blending in smaller batches if necessary.

4. Use a Tamper

Many high-performance blenders come with a tamper tool. If you notice that some ingredients are not mixing well or sticking to the sides at the top, you can use the tamper to push them down towards the blades while the blender is running, ensuring that everything combines smoothly.

5. Pulse Before Blending

If you have a mixture that is particularly stubborn, pulsing the blender a few times can help loosen up the ingredients. This action can break down larger chunks before we blend continuously.

6. Choose the Right Frozen Fruits

Using very hard or unripe fruits can make blending difficult. Opt for properly ripened and frozen fruits.

7. Clean the Blender Properly

A well-maintained blender performs optimally. Ensure that you regularly clean the blades and container to prevent any residue from previous blends. A dirty blender can affect both the flavour and texture of the smoothie.

Summary

Indulging in this matcha smoothie bowl is a delightful way to nourish our bodies as part of our daily routine. Its rich flavours and creamy texture make it a versatile option for breakfast or even a post-workout treat.

With endless possibilities for customisation, we can even switch things up to suit our tastes and nutritional needs. And with high-quality matcha and fresh ingredients, this recipe is a treat our tummies, energy levels, and overall wellness will love.