How to Make Almond Milk: A Healthy Alternative
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I have always been fascinated by the power of healthy and organic ingredients. Whether you’re following a vegan, raw or gluten-free diet, my Almond Milk recipe is a refreshingly light and plant-based alternative to dairy milk that you can make at home with just two ingredients – raw almonds and water.
This homemade almond milk recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including protein, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, and calcium. It’s perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or looking to switch to healthier alternatives that are free from dairy and other additives.
Moreover, this homemade almond milk is way more economical than store-bought almond milk since it requires only a few ingredients and can be prepared in less than 15 minutes. You can always adjust the sweetness level according to your preferences by adding molasses, dates or any natural sweetener.
In this recipe article, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of making the best almond milk you’ve ever tasted – yes, as nutritionist-approved! So let’s get started and learn how to make homemade raw almond milk that’s simple and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan alternative to cow’s milk? Look no further, my friend. This homemade almond milk recipe is exactly what you need!
Not only is almond milk a healthy and nutritious choice, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. In fact, this recipe only requires two ingredients – raw almonds and water. That’s it!
Isn’t it amazing how just two simple ingredients can create such a delicious and nutritious beverage? Homemade almond milk is not only better for you than store-bought versions, but it also tastes fresher and creamier.
This recipe also allows you to tweak the consistency according to your preference. Want a thicker milk? Just add fewer cups of water! Want a thinner version? Simply increase the quantity of water. It’s that simple.
And if you’re worried about what to do with the leftover almond pulp, don’t be! You can use it as an ingredient in many dessert recipes or even add it to granola.
Moreover, almond milk can be an excellent addition to your plant-based diet. Not only is it low in calories and high in protein, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, calcium, iron and magnesium.
So why not give this delicious homemade raw almond milk recipe a try today? It’s better for your health than dairy milk, easy to make at home, highly customizable, versatile and even environmentally friendly!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this creamy, delicious almond milk:
- 1 cup of raw almonds
- 4 cups of purified water
That’s it! Just two simple ingredients and you can make your very own almond milk at home. It’s important to use raw almonds for this recipe, as roasted or salted almonds will not work. You’ll also want to use purified water to ensure that your almond milk is clean and free from any impurities.
The Recipe How-To
To make homemade raw almond milk, you only need two ingredients: raw almonds and purified water. Once you have made your own, you’ll never go back to store-bought almond milk again!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of raw almonds
- 4 cups of purified water
Instructions
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Soak the almonds in water overnight, or for at least 6 hours. This softens them and makes them easier to blend.
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Drain and rinse the soaked almonds in cool water, then place them in a blender.
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Add 4 cups of purified water to the blender with the almonds.
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Blend on high for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally, until you have a nice creamy milk.
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Place a nut milk bag or cheesecloth over a large bowl and pour the blended mixture through it slowly, so that it can strain out the almond pulp. Squeeze the bag or cloth several times to get all the liquid out.
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You can reserve the leftover almond pulp for later use in recipes such as homemade granola or other dessert recipes.
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Rinse out your blender and pour the strained milk back into it.
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Add a pinch of sea salt, 1-2 dates for sweetness (optional), and 1/2 -1 vanilla bean or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder blend again for several seconds until mixed well.
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Your almond milk is now ready to drink! Pour it into a glass jar and store it in your refrigerator up to five days.
Tips
- Use raw unsalted almonds for best results.
- Blending longer won’t make your milk creamier and may actually heat up your mixture which destroy all nutrients.
- If you want to make more than one cup at a time, use a ratio of 1 cup almonds to 4 cups water.
- For a creamier texture, add in 1-2 tablespoons of molasses.
Now that you have all the information you need to make your own almond milk, there is no reason not to give it a try. It is easy, healthy and budget-friendly. Moreover, this recipe is perfect if you follow a vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diet.
Substitutions and Variations
In creating culinary masterpieces, the stars don’t always have to align to get the ingredients right. The art of substitution becomes crucial in cooking, and this recipe is no exception. Instead of using almond milk, you can switch it up and use hazelnut milk or other nut milk of your liking. This small twist gives the recipe a new depth of flavor that could tantalize your taste buds.
For those who want a sweeter taste to their almond milk, substitute dates for the molasses in this recipe. This substitution will add a natural sweetness without cutting corners on dietary restrictions.
If you prefer a thicker texture, add less water when blending or use only two cups instead of four. It will produce a velvety and rich almond milk that goes well with coffee and espresso shots.
A touch of vanilla bean powder blend or even sea salt can also give your homemade almond milk an extra depth of flavor. And if you have any leftover nut pulp from making the milk, don’t throw it away – it can be transformed into vegan desserts or used as a healthy addition to your granola.
These options allow for versatility and creativity in enhancing the basic recipe without compromising any dietary restrictions. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find a variation that suits your personal taste and style!
Serving and Pairing
As a food blogger and nutritionist, I am always on the lookout for recipes that are easy to make and pair well with different foods. This recipe for almond milk is the perfect solution, as it can be used in a variety of ways.
One of my favorite ways to serve almond milk is alongside granola for breakfast. The nutty flavor of the milk is a great complement to the crunchy texture of granola. To make this pairing even more delicious, add some fresh berries on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Another great way to use almond milk is in dessert recipes. It adds a creamy texture and nutty taste to dishes like puddings, cakes or ice cream. For a unique twist, try pairing almond milk with hazelnut milk in a homemade gelato or sorbet.
For those following a vegan or plant-based diet, almond milk can be used as a substitute for dairy milk in many recipes. It’s perfect for making dairy-free smoothies, soups, sauces or curries. Almond milk adds subtle sweetness when blended with dates as well.
Almond milk can even be added to coffee or tea, replacing regular dairy creamer or sugar-laden flavoring creamers. It’s high protein content and mild flavor makes it an ideal morning brew companion.
Overall, there are countless ways to enjoy this homemade almond milk recipe – whether you’re using it in desserts or baked goods, adding it to smoothies and coffees or simply enjoying it on its own. The possibilities are endless!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have made your homemade almond milk, you might wonder how to store it properly. It is always better to make almond milk fresh and consume it immediately for the best taste and quality. However, I understand that this is not always possible, so here are some tips on how to store your almond milk.
Firstly, if you do need to store your almond milk, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last approximately 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze almond milk in ice cube trays and defrost as needed. Remember to leave a little space at the top of the container for expansion when freezing.
When reheating almond milk, avoid boiling it as it can change the texture and taste. Instead, gently heat it up in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warm. Shake or stir well before consuming.
If you find that your homemade almond milk separates during storage, don’t worry! This is natural and happens because there are no added stabilizers or emulsifiers. Simply shake or stir well before using.
You can also use any leftover almond pulp (the solids left after straining) to add fiber and nutrients to other recipes such as granola or dessert recipes. You can store almond pulp in an airtight container in the freezer for several weeks until you’re ready to use it.
Making your own almond milk is a great way to ensure that you know exactly what’s in your drink and tailor it to your liking. With these storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your homemade raw vegan gluten-free dairy-free non-dairy unsweetened almond milk anytime with ease.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making almond milk is easy and straightforward. However, achieving the perfect flavor and texture can make all the difference. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create the perfect almond milk.
1. Use high-quality raw almonds
Using high-quality raw almonds is essential for achieving delicious almond milk. Make sure your almonds are fresh, free of rancidity, and mold. Avoid using roasted or salted almonds as they have added ingredients that may affect the color, texture, and flavor of your milk.
2. Soak the almonds overnight
Soaking the almonds overnight makes them easier to blend and extract maximum flavor from them. Soaking also helps in removing anti-nutrients, making the milk more digestible, and increasing nutrient absorption.
3. Drain and Rinse Almonds
After soaking the almonds, drain and rinse them with clean water. Rinsing helps in removing impurities like dust or other residues that may alter the taste of your milk.
4. Use purified water
Using purified water ensures a clean flavor profile for your almond milk. Tap water contains chlorine or other chemicals that may affect the taste.
5. Blend properly
Blending is one of the most important steps in making almond milk. Ensure that all your ingredients are correctly proportioned before blending; otherwise, you may end up with gritty or slimy milk.
6. Strain multiple times
Straining multiple times using a nut milk bag ensures you get as much liquid as possible from your almond pulp resulting in a nice creamy tweaked recipe that does not disappoint.
7. Add sweeteners or spices slowly
When adding sweeteners, it’s always best to start with small portions then gradually increase according to preference since adding too much can overpower the natural sweetness of the almonds; therefore, diluting its taste.
In conclusion, following these tips guarantees perfect results every time you make homemade almond milk that is nutritious, unsweetened almond milk; it is pure plant-based, non-dairy, gluten-free, soy-free and vegan that is perfect for your breakfast or dessert recipes.
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions that arise when making this homemade almond milk. To help ensure your success in creating the perfect dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan-friendly beverage, here are some common FAQs along with their answers.
Can I have almond milk on raw diet?
Almond milk can be considered raw only if you use raw almonds to make it at home. However, commercially available almond milk is not raw, as it is typically pasteurised prior to packaging.
Do raw vegans eat almond milk?
When it comes to wholesome, animal-free sustenance, almond milk fits the bill perfectly. With its simple two-ingredient recipe comprising water and nourishing almonds, this plant-derived milk packs a nutritious punch. Almonds, known to be among the healthiest nuts, offer a wealth of benefits that make almond milk a smart, wholesome choice.
Is almond milk vegan and gluten-free?
If you need a gluten-free alternative to dairy milk, almond milk is a great option. It is naturally free of gluten, and most store-bought versions are also gluten-free. However, it’s important to read the labels on any flavored varieties to make sure there are no gluten-containing ingredients added.
What is a natural thickener for almond milk?
A substance called carrageenan, which is derived from seaweed, is utilized as a thickening and emulsifying agent in certain manufactured foods, such as particular types of almond milk.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, making your own almond milk at home is one of the healthiest choices you can make for yourself and your family. Not only is it easy and quick to make with just two ingredients, but it’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based and vegan-friendly.
By taking control of your own almond milk-making process, you can customize the recipe to fit your individual taste preferences and dietary restrictions. You can also avoid any unnecessary additives or preservatives that are found in store-bought options.
Whether you use it in your morning coffee or pour it over granola for breakfast or even use it in baking and dessert recipes, homemade almond milk is versatile and nutritious.
So don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try! With its nice creamy texture and naturally sweet taste, your taste buds will be delighted with this tasty treat. So grab some raw almonds, purified water, a blender and get ready to enjoy the best almond milk you’ve ever tasted!
Almond Milk (Vegan, Raw, Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds (you may blanch to remove skins if you like, I have made it both ways, smoother with the blanch, heal)
- 3 cups water (spring water)
- 1 tablespoon date molasses (or to taste, called dibis in Arabic, silan in Hebrew sometimes called date syrup or date honey)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender.
- Process at low speed for 1 minute, and 3 minutes at high speed until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a cheese cloth to remove remaining solids.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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