When tasting matcha macarons, I am always able to experience the delightful blend of subtle tea fragrance and sweetness. As I slowly savor them, I can perceive the delicate texture and distinct layers of flavor. The sweetness of the sugar shell is just right, not only adding a rich texture to the matcha filling but also balancing the overall sweetness. The matcha filling has a strong tea aroma, with a touch of sweetness amidst a slight bitterness, leaving one utterly enthralled.
Ingredients for matcha macarons
| Egg | two |
| Sugar | 50g |
| Almond meal | 15g |
| Powdered sugar | 12g |
| Matcha powder | 18g |
| Milk | 20g |
Steps:
1.First, clean the work surface and all utensils, ensuring they are free from any impurities that may affect the macaron preparation. Place a baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to 150 degrees Celsius. Now, let’s make the meringue. In a clean large bowl, combine egg whites and granulated sugar. Whisk them together using an electric mixer until foamy. This process requires patience and time until the egg whites and sugar are completely mixed and become thick and non-drippy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2.Use a sieve to sift almond flour, powdered sugar, and matcha powder into a clean bowl. This is done to ensure even mixing of all the ingredients and to prevent clumps in the almond flour and other components, resulting in a smoother texture for the macarons.
3.Pour the sifted almond flour, powdered sugar, and matcha powder into the meringue. Gently fold them together using a spatula until all the ingredients are fully combined and present a uniform green color. Be gentle during this process to avoid deflating the mixture. Then, transfer the mixture into a piping bag.
4.Fill the mixture into the piping bag and secure the opening tightly to prevent leakage. Place a parchment paper beside the preheated oven and pipe out the mixture into round shapes, leaving a distance of about 2-3 centimeters between each circle. Try not to touch or move the circles within the first minute after piping, as the mixture needs a brief time to slightly firm up before proceeding to the next step.
5.Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This time is just a reference value, as the actual baking time may vary depending on the oven model and temperature differences. You can determine if the macarons are done by observing their color change. When the surface of the macarons begins to form a hard shell and the color becomes stable, they can be removed from the oven.
6.Prepare the filling. In another bowl, combine powdered sugar and milk, stirring until well mixed. Whip the mixture with an electric mixer until it forms white foam. Divide the whipped cream into two portions, add your preferred filling such as raspberry jam or chocolate sauce in the middle, then mix again evenly. This will create a light and sweet yet not overpowering filling.
7.Once the baked macarons have cooled slightly, pipe the filling onto one macaron shell and sandwich it with another macaron shell. You can also decorate the surface of the macarons with some matcha powder or sugar beads, for example. Now, your delicious matcha macarons are ready!
Tips
1.Almond flour and powdered sugar should be kept as dry as possible. If they are slightly damp, you can put them in a preheated oven at 50°C to dry for a while.
2.When whisking egg whites, make sure to add them incrementally. Start by adding only one-third of the egg whites, thoroughly mix until well incorporated, and don’t worry about losing volume. When incorporating the remaining egg whites, gently fold them in to prevent deflation.
3.If using a regular home oven, try to lower the baking temperature, typically around 140-150°C. Smaller ovens require lower temperatures, but generally, it’s not necessary to go below 140°C.
Matcha macarons are not just a delicious dessert; they also offer a unique cultural experience. They perfectly combine the traditional Japanese matcha culture with French pastry techniques, resulting in an enchanting texture and flavor. Whether given as a gift to family and friends or enjoyed during leisurely moments, matcha macarons are a delightful delicacy that should not be overlooked.