Vegan Masala Matcha Green Tea Recipe

Spiced, aromatic, warm matcha green tea. The perfect drink for a cold afternoon, and one of the healthiest on the planet!

Whole Food Plant Based Masala Matcha Green Tea Recipe

Course: Beverages, Snacks, Herbal & Spice Tea
Cuisine: Kashmiri Recipe from North India
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 2 people

INGREDIENTS

Masala Matcha Green Tea Powder

1. 1 tsp Matcha Green Tea Powder OR 2 tsp Green Tea Leaves
2. 1 inch piece Cinnamon
3. 1 Star Anise
4. 1 Green Cardamom / Elaichi Peeled
5. 1 tbsp Raisins
6. 6 Walnuts

INSTRUCTIONS

Masala Matcha Green Tea Powder

1. Peel green cardamom / elaichi. Grind elaichi, cinnamon, star anise, and matcha green tea together into a very fine powder.

Masala Matcha Green Tea

1. Chop raisins into two to four pieces each.
2. Heat 2 glasses of water in a vessel. Once it starts boiling, remove from stove, add 1/2 to 1 tsp of Masala Green Tea powder, along with chopped raisins. Mix well and cover for 3 minutes.
3. Once infused, allow to cool to a warm temperature.
4. Serve warm, not too hot, with a side of walnuts!

Plant-based Chef Pro Tips for Healthy Masala Matcha Green Tea Recipe

1. To make a creamy masala matcha green tea, mix in one tablespoon of almond butter per glass of green tea.

Nutrition Science Highlights for WFPB Masala Matcha Green Tea Recipe

1. Why not honey, sugar or jaggery? Sugar and Jaggery are processed foods. Although jaggery is healthier than brown sugar, which, in turn, is healthier than white sugar, all forms of processed foods are unhealthy when compared to whole plant foods. Honey is healthwise as good as jaggery, which isn't saying much. In addition to not being very healthy, honey production kills millions of bees every year, affecting our environment adversely. The best sweetener alternative is a whole fruit or dry fruit. The easiest method of using these is date syrup, as it does not involve peeling or chopping.
2. Why not dairy? Dairy products have been found to be associated with increased risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, asthma, PCOS, and heart disease. We can still enjoy our milk, cream, and butter though - as long as they are made from whole plant foods!
3. Why spices? Spices are among the healthiest foods on the planet in terms of their ability to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. They pack the highest antioxidant:calorie ratio. Just one pinch of spice powders exponentially increases the antioxidant content of any dish. Dishes like these, that have many strong spices, are a great way to amp up the health quotient of our everyday meals. Raw and boiled or steamed spices retain their phytonutrient content better than roasted or baked spices.
4. The healthiest beverages are those that have a lot of herbs and spices (to enhance antioxidant levels), a bit of fruit and a nut or two (to enhance phytonutrient absorption). This recipe perfectly fits the bill!