Since most of the country is currently under an advisory heat wave, what better time to make ice cream! Sure, you can buy some but it could be melted by the time you get home! Making it from scratch is fun, healthier because there are no additives. It gives you the ability to experiment with bold new flavors, and eat more ice cream! My definition of a win-win!
Speaking of new flavors, have you ever tasted green tea or even better Matcha ice cream? Do you know how good Matcha tea powder is for you? Matcha powder is anti-cancer, reduces inflammation, and alleviates chronic conditions. It also reduces anxiety and depression, and helps with weight loss. So now Matcha ice cream officially qualifies as a super food in my book! Who said ice cream is bad for you?
Matcha & Caffeine
Because Matcha powder is essentially young green tea leaves that have been powdered, it contains a certain amount of caffeine. Less than coffee but more than green tea. So if you suffer from insomnia, you may want to eat this ice cream around lunch the first time just to be on the safe side. I haven’t experienced any symptoms but I am used to drinking black tea.
GREAT TIP
If you are in a hurry, you can make this recipe using only 2 ingredients. A quart of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream and Matcha powder. Simple enough?ย Melt the ice cream, whisk the powder and refreeze. How about that! Ok so it is cheating a little but when you don’t have time, it is awesome. Don’t stop there, you can do the same using your favorite fruit, go wild! As you get older you learn to work smarter not harder! In case you were wondering what are some of the best and easy to find vegan brands of ice cream, I give you:
– SoDelicious
– CocoBliss
– Ben & Jerry’s
Mango coulis
This coulis is the perfect addition to green tea ice cream. The colors are stunning, and the sweetness of the mango pairs beautifully with the slight bite of the green tea. We like to buy a crate of mangoes when they are in season, peel and cube them, and freeze them in small resealable bags. So when I found our last bag, I knew it would be time for some Matcha ice cream. But this coulis can also be added to yogurt, crepes, oatmeal, salad dressing. It will also freeze nicely for future uses.ย See the recipe here.
If you are new to matcha powder and are looking for more recipes using it, check out these amazing Matcha pancakes and you know what? They go great with green tea ice cream!
Don’t have an ice cream maker?
No worry. Pour the blended ice cream into a resealable plastic. Freeze for an hour, then squeeze it with your hand to soften it, then pour in a blender and freeze one more time for 30 mn. It is ready! And if you are new at making ice cream from scratch, don’t do what I did the first time I used my brand new machine. I was so excited to make my first batch that I forgot to freeze the ice cream bowl before turning the machine on! I know, it would have helped to read the instructions! You only make this mistake once!
What if I don’t have Matcha powder?
You can substitute 3-4 bags of good green tea. Let it steep for 3-4 minutes. Never throw away bags of tea! You can either add them to house plants (get rid of the string!) as slow release fertilizer or throw them into your compost pile. Nothing is ever wasted by Mother Nature so why should we, right? You may want to add 1-2 drops of green food dye to get a nice green color or add 2 peeled kiwis.
Can I use regular firm tofu?
You can but it won’t yield a nice creamy texture. Stick to the silken tofu if you can or use extra frozen bananas but you risk changing the flavor.
Can I skip the avocado?
You can but you should replace it with another healthy source of fat like coconut cream, or soy cream.
Looking for more yummy vegan ice cream recipes? Check this delicious Kulfi ice cream. You won’t be disappointed!
Best Non-dairy Matcha Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice cream maker
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz package of organic Silken tofu
- 1 tbsp Matcha tea powder
- 1 frozen banana or 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1 cup of non-dairy milk (cashew, almond or soy)
- 2-3 tbsp agave or other sweetener of your choice
- 2 drops green food dye (optional)
Instructions
Make the ice cream
- Freeze your ice cream bowl a few hours before you need it.
- Whisk the Matcha powder in 2 cups of hot water and 1 cup of non-dairy milk.
- Blend the silken tofu, banana or avocado, vanilla extract, the sweetener, and the green dye until smooth.
- Taste and add more sweetener or Matcha powder if you want.
- Follow the instructions of your ice cream maker and start churning!
Notes
