Save This Hojicha Smoothie Bowl is a creamy, earthy breakfast option featuring roasted green tea (hojicha) blended with banana and almond milk. Topped with fresh fruit and crunchy granola, it serves as a refreshing and nourishing way to start your day or enjoy a healthy snack.
Save With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and no cooking required, this easy Japanese-inspired recipe is perfect for busy mornings. It yields two servings, making it ideal for sharing a healthy meal with a friend.
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
- In a blender, combine frozen bananas, hojicha powder, almond milk, honey or maple syrup (if using), and yogurt (if using).
- Step 2
- 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 the smoothie base evenly into two bowls.
- Step 4
- Arrange granola, fresh berries, kiwi slices, chia seeds, and coconut flakes on top as desired.
- Step 5
- Serve immediately and enjoy with a spoon.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure you freeze your bananas in advance. Using frozen bananas is the key to achieving a thicker, creamier bowl that perfectly supports the weight of your toppings.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan-friendly version, simply use plant-based yogurt and maple syrup. You can also try adding 1 tablespoon of almond butter for extra richness or adjust the sweetener to your personal taste.
Serviervorschläge
This smoothie bowl pairs beautifully with a warm cup of hojicha or traditional green tea, enhancing the earthy notes of the roasted tea powder used in the base.
Save Each serving of this vibrant bowl provides approximately 270 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 52 grams of carbohydrates. It is a delicious, vegetarian-friendly way to enjoy the traditional flavors of Japan in a modern breakfast format.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes hojicha different from regular green tea?
Hojicha is roasted green tea leaves that create a earthy, mellow flavor with lower caffeine content than other green teas. The roasting process gives it a reddish-brown color and removes bitterness, making it perfect for blending into sweet breakfast bowls.
- → Can I make this bowl ahead of time?
For the best texture, blend and serve immediately. The frozen bananas create that thick, creamy consistency that melts quickly. You can prep your toppings the night before and store them in separate containers for quick assembly in the morning.
- → What milk alternatives work best?
Unsweetened almond milk provides a neutral flavor that lets the hojicha shine, but oat milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk also work beautifully. Avoid strongly flavored milks that might overpower the roasted tea notes.
- → How do I get the perfect thick consistency?
Use completely frozen bananas rather than fresh ones. Start with less liquid and add more only if needed—the mixture should be thick enough to hold a spoon upright. The optional yogurt also adds creaminess without thinning the base.
- → What other toppings pair well with hojicha?
Sliced almonds, hemp seeds, cacao nibs, or sliced bananas complement the earthy notes. For added sweetness, try drizzling with extra maple syrup or adding dried fruits like goji berries. The roasted flavor also pairs nicely with a dollop of almond butter.