Matcha Yogurt and Fudgy Overnight Oats Parfait

While I prefer unsweetened yogurt for my usual snacking (on the rare occasion that I do snack on yogurt), I went for vanilla-flavored yogurt for this recipe. Instead of mixing it up in the morning when the overnight oats layer was ready, I made it at the same time as the overnight oats, thus allowing the matcha flavor to “rest” with the yogurt. I don’t know the science behind it, but I think this improves the matcha flavor.

What you’ll need:

• 1/2 a ripe banana, mashed (or 1/3 cup mashed sweet potato and 2-3 tsp maple syrup)
• 1/2 cup regular rolled oats
• 2/3 cup water or milk of choice
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (if omitting, reduce liquid to 1/2 cup)
• 1 rounded tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup vanilla-flavored yogurt (I used coconut yogurt)
• 1/4 tsp matcha powder

How to make it:

1. Combine all ingredients for the Fudgy Overnight Oats and mix until combined. Cover and store in the fridge (overnight or for at least two hours).
2. Stir in the matcha powder with the yogurt and store in the fridge for at least two hours. Allowing it to sit with the yogurt for this time will mellow the bitterness.
3. When ready to serve, alternate layering the Overnight Oats with the Matcha Yogurt in a glass or parfait dish. You will have more oats than yogurt, so plan accordingly. If desired, you can also layer in fresh fruit or shredded coconut.

As for the final result? Trust me. Please trust me. Assemble it and taste it before making your judgement. Matcha is this crazy ingredient that gives off a dull color and an earthy smell. However, once you taste it, any hesitation you have will fly away. Especially in combination with the fudgy oats, the flavors of this parfait are truly killer!

True story: the second time I made this, I was going to add cardamom (my obsession) and accidentally dumped in a pile of chili powder instead. Nooooo! Cardamom and chili powder look nothing alike; I just wasn’t paying attention.