While you may think of miso as a savory food, it makes for a great caramel alternative! This miso salted hojicha latte is sweet, salty, umami, and perfectly toasty. It’s the comforting cup of tea you’ll catch us drinking all fall. It brings together roasted Japanese hojicha, umami-rich miso, and buttery caramel for a drink that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It feels indulgent but also deeply grounded- perfect for cool mornings or quiet afternoons.
What is hojicha?
Hojicha (pronounced ho-jee-cha) is a Japanese green tea that’s roasted over high heat, turning the green tea leaves warm, reddish brown. Unlike matcha, which is steamed and stone-ground, hojicha’s roasting process gives it a naturally sweet, toasty, and slightly caramel-like flavor.
It's naturally low in caffeine, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind later in the day. The roasting process not only mellows out its flavor but also reduces any bitterness. Think of it like matcha’s cozy, toasty sister!
Benefits of Miso
You might be surprised to see miso in a caramel latte, but it’s the secret ingredient that brings deep umami and balance to the sweetness. Miso works great in a variety of desserts! Miso is a fermented soybean paste best known as the main ingredient in many soups and savory dishes. It’s rich in probiotics, which can help support gut health, and is a source of essential minerals like zinc, manganese, and copper. Fermented foods like miso may also support digestion and a healthy immune system.
Ingredients:
Miso salted caramel
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp miso paste
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
¼ cup unsalted butter
Miso salted caramel hojicha latte
2 tsp hojicha powder
¼ cup hot water
1 tbsp miso caramel
¾ cup milk
Directions:
1. In a small saucepan or microwave, warm heavy cream and stir in miso until dissolved. Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat without stirring. Gently swirl pan occasionally.
3. Once mixture turns amber, reduce heat to low and add butter. Stir until melted.
4. Turn off heat and stir in miso cream. Mix until smooth.
5. If desired, pour through a fine mesh strainer. Let cool completely.
6. Sift hojicha into a bowl, add hot water and whisk until frothy.
7. Stir in miso caramel, then pour into a mug.
8. Heat milk and froth until creamy. Pour over hojicha.
9. Drizzle with more miso caramel and enjoy!
Bottom Line
This miso salted caramel hojicha latte is the perfect comforting fall latte. Full of flavor, it’s both decadent and functional with gut-healthy hojicha and miso. And since it’s naturally low in caffeine, it’s a latte you can enjoy any time of day!
