Save It Start your morning with a unique and refreshing Hojicha Smoothie Bowl, an earthy twist on a breakfast classic. This dish features the rich, roasted notes of Japanese green tea blended into a velvety base of frozen bananas and almond milk, creating a nourishing meal that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Save It This smoothie bowl is a wonderful way to incorporate the antioxidants of hojicha into your diet while enjoying a satisfying mix of textures, from the creamy tea base to the crunch of granola and the juiciness of fresh berries.
Ingredients
- Smoothie Base
- 2 teaspoons hojicha powder
- 2 large ripe bananas, frozen
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or dairy-free yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- Toppings
- 1/2 cup granola (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup fresh berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 small kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine
- In a blender, combine frozen bananas, hojicha powder, almond milk, honey or maple syrup (if using), and yogurt (if using).
- Step 2: Blend
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 3: Pour
- Pour the smoothie base evenly into two bowls.
- Step 4: Assemble
- Arrange granola, fresh berries, kiwi slices, chia seeds, and coconut flakes on top as desired.
- Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately and enjoy with a spoon.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a thick and creamy texture, it is essential to freeze your bananas in advance. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking or leave the sweetener out entirely for a more natural flavor. If the blend is too thick for your blender, add milk in very small increments.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a fully vegan version, use plant-based yogurt and maple syrup. If you want to add more richness and healthy fats, try blending in a tablespoon of almond butter. You can also swap the almond milk for any other milk of your choice depending on your dietary needs.
Serviervorschläge
This bowl pairs beautifully with a hot cup of hojicha or green tea on the side. When choosing toppings, always check the labels on your granola to ensure it meets your allergen requirements, especially regarding gluten and tree nuts.
Save It Whether enjoyed as a fast weekday breakfast or a relaxing weekend treat, this Hojicha Smoothie Bowl is a refreshing and wholesome choice for any tea lover.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes hojicha different from other green teas?
Hojicha is roasted green tea leaves, giving it a reddish-brown color and distinct earthy, nutty flavor with lower caffeine content compared to other Japanese green teas like matcha or sencha.
- → Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
The smoothie base is best enjoyed immediately after blending while still thick and cold. However, you can prep ingredients in advance—freeze sliced bananas, measure dry toppings, and have everything ready to blend when needed.
- → What can I substitute for almond milk?
Any milk works well here—try oat milk for creaminess, coconut milk for richness, or regular dairy milk. Just adjust the amount to reach your desired thickness.
- → How do I get the right consistency?
Frozen bananas are key for that thick, scoopable texture. Start with 1 cup milk and add more only if needed—the mixture should be thicker than a drinkable smoothie but still blendable.
- → Is hojicha powder the same as matcha?
No—hojicha is made from roasted green tea leaves ground into powder, while matcha comes from shade-grown tea leaves. Hojicha has a milder, earthier taste and less caffeine than matcha.