30 May Antioxidant-Rich Matcha Chia Pudding

We challenged local foodie Caralishious to come up with something delicious using Lady Bonin’s Matcha Green Tea. This is what she came up with:

I am always inspired to create sumptuous yet simple recipes that provide great nutrition for the body and a little creativity for the mind. I especially love playing around with new ingredients and flavours, and of course trying, testing and introducing them to you!

This past weekend, I acquainted myself with matcha, a finely milled green tea powder that has put a spring in my step (and stained a number of my mugs bright green). I’ve tasted matcha in beverages before, but I hadn’t worked with it myself now. Truth be told, I’m not a huge green tea lover (I usually have to sweeten it quite a bit to enjoy it). But matcha green tea? Game changer.

I love the taste, which seems to shift from grassy to sweet. Because you mix whole ground matcha directly into hot water, rather than steeping a teabag, matcha is said to be significantly higher in antioxidants and chlorophyll than other forms of green tea. It packs a powerful, yet mellow caffeine punch (a teaspoon of matcha is comparable to a cup of coffee in terms of caffeine) and it also contains Vitamin C, potassium, and amino acids, including L-Theanine, which is said to promote relaxation and calm. (I always feel more invigorated than tranquil after I drink matcha, but I don’t feel jittery, either.)

Matcha is a bit of an investment, however Lady Bonin’s Matcha Green Tea is reasonably priced on Faithful to Nature’s online store. The good news is that you only need about a half teaspoon to make one cup of strong tea, so a container will yield you a large number of servings.

Delightful as freshly brewed matcha is, I was inspired to try it in a chia pudding (my standard rotation of chocolate, berry and vanilla chia is getting a little old). Mixed with a cup of gojis and cranberries, this breakfast packs a major antioxidant punch – not to mention calcium, protein, and healthy fats from the chia seeds. What an energising way to start your day! I hope you enjoy it – and that you get to know matcha a little better along the way.

Anti-Oxidant Rich Matcha Chia Pudding

Serves 2 | Ready in 10 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 6 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp Lady Bonin’s Matcha Green Tea
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp tahini
• 1 Tbsp peanut butter
• 1 Tbsp xylitol
• 1 Tbsp pecan nuts
• ¼ tsp cinnamon

TO SERVE

• Flaked almonds
• Dried cranberries
• Goji berries
• Sesame seeds

METHOD

1. Combine chia seeds, almond milk, matcha and a little water in a medium sized bowl. Stir well, cover and allow to soak in the fridge overnight (about 8 hours).
2. Remove from fridge and blend with vanilla, tahini, peanut butter, xylitol, pecans and cinnamon for 1-2 minutes. If mixture is too thick, add small amounts of almond milk for a smoother consistency.
3. Place flaked almonds at the bottom of each serving dish, spoon over a layer of pudding and sprinkle with cranberries and goji berries. Repeat until mixture is finished, and sprinkle with almond flakes, cranberries, goji berries and sesame seeds.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy!

This recipe first appeared on Caralishious’ blog.