Beat the heat with a homemade delight - matcha ice cream! This green tea ice cream serves as an incredible refresher on a scorching day. It's the ultimate summer cool-down, boasting a soothing pastel green hue and a gentle, enticing aroma. If you’re already visualizing how difficult it would be to make this treat, then here’s good news. Creating your own green tea ice cream at home is easier than it seems. And it also has a superior flavour profile compared to store-bought options. Our recipe yields a naturally indulgent and richer version of the ice cream that's sure to please your palate.
what is matcha ice cream?
Matcha ice cream, also known as green tea ice cream, is a popular Japanese dessert that has gained worldwide recognition for its unique and refreshing flavour. It's an ice cream made with high-quality matcha powder, which gives it its signature green colour and earthy taste.
Green tea ice cream can be enjoyed on its own or as a delicious accompaniment to other desserts. With its vibrant colour and flavour, it's no wonder that matcha ice cream has become a favourite among dessert enthusiasts and green tea lovers!
Green tea ice cream is also a perfect dessert choice for those who love the distinct taste of green tea, and it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, as the matcha ice cream is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that provide a range of health benefits.
So, if you're looking for a refreshing and healthy dessert that's both delicious and unique, give the green tea ice cream a try!
matcha ice cream recipe
In this step-by-step guide, we'll create a creamy matcha ice cream using egg yolks for a rich and velvety texture. This recipe can be effortlessly crafted in the comfort of your home using common pantry ingredients. And that also allows you to customize the matcha intensity and texture to your liking. The resulting masterpiece will transport you to the essence of Japan, offering a true taste experience. Unfortunately, some commercially produced matcha green tea ice creams in Australia fail to capture its true essence. Oftentimes, artificial colouring is used unnecessarily, when matcha being a concentrated green tea already has rich colour and robust flavour.
Total Servings:-
6
Preparation Time:-
6 hours
Cooking Times:-
15 minutes
Nutritional Value:-
277 calories, 17g fat, 29g carbs, 3g protein
Recipe Category:-
Dessert
Cuisine:-
Japanese
equipment
- saucepan
- large and small bowls
- ice cream maker
- whisk
ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp teapigs matcha tea powder
instructions
Combine milk and sugar: Begin by placing a regular-sized saucepan or pot over medium heat and whisking together the milk and sugar in and continue to whisk intermittently. Once the milk gets steamed, get the saucepan off the heat.
Temper eggs: Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of steamed milk to the yolks while whisking. This gentle tempering prevents the eggs from getting cooked too soon or forming lumps. Continue whisking as you gradually pour in the rest of the hot milk.
Make matcha paste: Transform the matcha powder into a paste by pouring it into a bowl along with a few tablespoons of hot milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, then gradually add more milk until you achieve a thin matcha paste without lumps.
Combine matcha paste and milk mix: Add the matcha paste to the saucepan with the milk mixture and whisk it in. Next, strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve placed over a large bowl.
Ice cream base: Now, pour the heavy cream into the mixture and whisk until both are well combined. Once done, place the ice cream base in the refrigerator to chill.
Churn it: After the ice cream has cooled, adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for your ice cream maker to churn the base. Churn around 5-6 times every half an hour for a smoother ice cream.
Freeze it: Transfer the ice cream you just churned into an airtight container. Now cover it and freeze until it achieves the desired level of firmness.
Serve: Treat yourself to a delicious bowl or cone of homemade matcha green tea ice cream.
tips and tricks
here’re some tips to help you improve your matcha ice cream recipe
- Quality matters: The foundation of exceptional this green tea ice cream is, of course, the matcha itself. Invest in high-quality matcha powder, preferably ceremonial grade or culinary grade if you're on a budget. The quality of your matcha directly impacts the flavour and colour of your ice cream.
- Tempering eggs: Tempering eggs is an important step in ice cream making as it prevents the eggs from forming lumps when exposed to heat. Gradually adding a small amount of the hot milk to the beaten eggs while continuously whisking, raises their temperature gently, preventing sudden coagulation.
- Matcha paste: Before adding matcha to your milk mixture, create a smooth matcha paste by whisking it with a very small quantity of hot milk. Remember not to directly mix it with the entire milk mixture or large volume of milk or any other liquid. This step is essential to ensure there are no lumps in your ice cream.
- The perfect base: A creamy base is the key to an authentic matcha green tea ice cream. Use a combination of heavy cream and whole milk for the best results. The cream lends richness, while the milk ensures a smooth texture.
- Infuse an Aussie flavour: Elevate your matcha ice cream to a whole new level with an Aussie twist. Here are some tips that’ll be helpful in infusing this dessert with authentic Aussie flavours:
- Embrace local ingredients: Start your Aussie green tea ice cream adventure by sourcing high-quality, locally produced milk and cream.
- Crunchy Macadamia: Crushed macadamia nuts, known for their buttery richness, are a beloved addition to many Aussie desserts. They can add a delightful crunch to your matcha green tea ice cream.
- Natural Sweeteners: Swap out traditional sugars for honey or other natural sweeteners to introduce a nuanced sweetness to your dessert.
- Fresh fruits: Since we Aussies have a deep appreciation for fresh and seasonal fruits, you and your guests will probably like it better when served with sliced strawberries, vibrant kiwi or passionfruit.
ways to store leftover green tea ice cream
Properly storing leftover matcha ice cream ensures it retains its creamy texture for future indulgence. Here are some effective ways to store your precious leftover scoops:
- Airtight Container: Matcha, with its delicate flavour and aroma, is indeed susceptible to absorbing moisture and surrounding odours. Transfer any remaining ice cream into an airtight container with a snug-fitting lid; shielded from humidity and away from strong-smelling ingredients like coffee or spices. This will prevent the absorption of unwanted odours and help maintain the ice cream's freshness. Before serving, thaw briefly at room temperature for smoother scooping and be cautious of ice crystals if you’re serving after a long freezer time.
- Divide and store: If the matcha ice cream container is opened and closed repeatedly, moisture can get introduced in the treat and impact its flavour. To maintain freshness, consider dividing surplus ice cream into smaller containers. This will help preserve the original taste and texture of your treat.
what does matcha ice cream taste like?
Matcha ice cream is a popular and well-known dessert in Japan that’s gained popularity all over the globe for its delicious and unique taste.
Matcha ice cream has a unique and distinctive flavour that's both sweet and earthy. The sweetness of the ice cream balances the bitterness of the tea, resulting in a harmonious and delicious flavour. The texture of matcha ice cream is smooth and creamy, making it a refreshing and satisfying dessert.
The high-quality matcha powder used in the green tea ice cream recipe gives the ice cream a vibrant green colour and a rich, complex taste that's slightly bitter and has notes of umami. Additionally, the use of high-quality ingredients like whole milk and heavy cream creates a rich and velvety texture that enhances the flavour of the matcha.
With its refreshing flavour and beautiful green hue, matcha ice cream is a perfect dessert for any occasion!
matcha vs green tea
Both the teas are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant but differ in how they're processed and consumed. While both these teas have health benefits, matcha is considered a more concentrated source of antioxidants.
Green tea is made by steeping tea leaves in hot water, which releases their flavour and nutrients into the water.
Conversely, matcha is made by grinding shade-grown tea leaves into a fine powder, which is then whisked into hot water and consumed whole. This means that when you drink matcha, you're consuming the entire tea leaf, which is why it's considered to be a more potent source of nutrients!
In terms of flavour, green tea has a light and refreshing taste that's slightly bitter and grassy.
Matcha, on the other hand, has a rich and earthy taste that's slightly sweet and creamy. The vibrant green colour of matcha is also a distinguishing feature.
Both teas have their own unique taste. Green tea is a great choice for people looking a light and energetic beverage, while matcha tea is beneficial for those seeking a concentrated dose of nutrients and a rich, flavorful beverage.
conclusion
Crafting homemade matcha ice cream is not only a delightful culinary endeavour but also a confidence booster before you try other matcha recipes, like the matcha latte. When the ice cream recipe is done properly, this treat cools and satisfies like no other – offering a fusion of sweet and earthy notes. However, if you’re in a mood for a variation of the original recipe, try an Aussie twist and consider adding the crushed macadamia nuts with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. These little changes will let you can create a matcha ice cream experience that's uniquely yours.
faqs on matcha ice cream
Q. what is matcha ice cream made of?
A. Matcha ice cream is typically made with high-quality matcha powder, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and a pinch of salt. The ingredients are then heated together and blended with matcha powder to create a vibrant green mixture. After chilling and churning, this mixture is frozen to create a deliciously creamy and wonderfully refreshing dessert.
Q. what does green tea ice cream taste like?
A. The ice cream has a unique and distinct taste that's slightly bitter and grassy, with a hint of sweetness. The tea's natural flavour profile is balanced with a sweetened cream base to create a smooth and creamy texture. The result is a delicious frozen dessert that's perfect for green tea lovers!
Q. what tastes good with matcha ice cream?
A. Matcha ice cream pairs well with a variety of toppings and flavours. Some popular options include fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of honey. Additionally, matcha green tea ice cream/green tea ice cream can be served with other desserts like mochi or a warm fruit tart to create a delicious and satisfying dessert experience.
Q. Does green tea ice cream contain milk?
A. Yes indeed! Green tea ice cream contains milk or cream as a base, this is what creates the smooth texture. However, there are dairy-free options available for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet. Be sure to check the label or ingredients list to confirm if the ice cream contains milk.
