Usual readers of FoodGoblin will not normally turn to it for views on healthy eating and ‘free from’ recipes. The food we eat and write about is real, full flavoured, prepared from the heart; our writers, undoubtedly greedy. However, on odd occasions I do come across dish that compromises not on flavour but more so on calories which can only be a good thing with summer now upon us. Whilst not impossible to do, creating interesting flavours that are light and healthy can be done, but we all know that more thought needs to go into making quinoa taste as delicious as butter laden vegetables!!
As an avid user of social media, I happened across a competition for EatCleanTea. The company sell organic matcha tea, a foodstuff which seems to be loved by fitness pros and health geeks alike. My own initiation into match tea actually was in a serene tea room in Kyoto Japan. Served cold in a simple glazed bowl the taste was, um well let’s say different. I didn’t know what to make of it; slightly bitter at first and tasting somewhat soil like, I wasn’t completely convinced. However, to not appear rude to my hosts that served me it, I persisted with it and strangely found it had a love hate flavour.
Since returning to the UK, I have ordered some of EatCleanTea’s matcha and find that the flavoured ones are more appetizing and do make me feel better for drinking them. I have been testing with various recipes which enhance its natural flavour. If anyone has tried Shakfuyu’s matcha ice cream (incidentally one of the most Instagrammed foods), you will know that matcha is a unique flavour which when complimented properly works fantastically. I’m no quite there yet, but I have put together something I think works as a really great summer smoothie/ mocktail mix which I have entered into the competition.
Being an avid mojito drinker I have used my favourite flavours of mint, lime and sugar (agave) to create an interesting blend with a twist of avocado. The result – a great health smoothie packed with antioxidants, vitamins and good fats. It is a fabulous hangover cure too!
Summer Of Matcha recipe (serves 2)
2 x Tsp Matcha & Ginger green tea powder
1 x Avocado
1/2 x Lime
350ml Coconut Water
Handful of Mint
1 x tsp agave syrup
1 cup of ice
(Tequila optional)
Whizz all the ingredients in a blender until you have a smooth, creamy texture.
Now decant into cocktail glasses and decorate by sprinkling matcha on the top and adding a wedge of lime. (Cocktail umbrellas are also encouraged)
Written by Erin Goodall, FoodGoblin Northern Correspondent
