A recent study revealed that US dairy consumption continues to surge each year. There are other dairy alternatives, one of which is almond milk.
It’s an excellent calcium and vitamin D source and has a long list of added benefits. It’s low in saturated fat, gluten free, and linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Want to learn how to make your own homemade almond milk recipe? Read on to learn some cooking tips on making almond milk!
Table of Contents
Gathering the Necessary Ingredients
Making your almond milk requires gathering a few necessary ingredients. The number one ingredient you will need is whole almonds.
You will need one cup of almonds that are raw and unsalted. If the almonds are salted, they will not turn into milk but clump together.
You will need filtered water. The ratio of water to almonds varies depending on the desired thickness of your milk, but a safe balance is 3 cups of water to 1 cup of almonds.
Soaking the Almonds
Soaking the almonds is the first step in making your almond milk. Place a cup of whole almonds into a bowl and add enough water to cover the almonds.
Allow the almonds to soak for up to 12 hours. This helps to make digestion easier by breaking down the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors.
During the soak, add fresh water to replace the water that the almonds have absorbed. Once the almonds have been soaked, they can be drained and rinsed, ready to be blended with fresh water.
Blending the Almonds and Water
To create your almond milk, start by blending 1 cup of raw almonds with 4 cups of clean water for about 1 minute in a blender. Turn the blend set to high speed.
This will ensure the most creamy consistency, like a Vitamix. This process usually takes between 3-5 minutes.
Strain and Enjoy
Once the almond milk is ready, you must strain the almond bits out of the mixture. You can even use a nut milk bag to make it easier for you.
Hold the cloth over a strainer positioned over a bowl, then pour the almond milk into the fabric, allowing the liquid to pass through. Squeeze the cloth to ensure all the liquid is strained, then discard the almond bits.
Adding Flavors to Your Almond Milk
To add flavor to your best recipe, you can add fresh or frozen fruit and spices like vanilla, nutmeg, or cinnamon. Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey if you like sweeter almond milk.
Alternatively, you can add cocoa powder for a chocolatey almond milk beverage. Lastly, add a mashed banana for creamy and thick almond milk.
Almond Milk Cooking Tips
Almond milk is a dairy free and tasty alternative to cow’s milk. Making it at home may be intimidating, but practicing with some cooking tips makes it perfect.
With a bit of practice, you’ll be enjoying homemade almond milk in no time. So why not give it a try? Your tastebuds will thank you!
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