How To Make Vegan Milk?
Making vegan milk at home is a simple and rewarding process. Vegan milk, also known as plant-based milk, is a fantastic alternative to dairy milk and can be made from various nuts, seeds, or grains. Each type offers unique flavors and nutritional benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make some of the most popular types of vegan milk, including almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To start making your own vegan milk, you’ll need a few basic ingredients and pieces of equipment. The primary ingredient is the main food item you’ll be using, such as almonds, oats, or soybeans. You’ll also need water, and optionally, sweeteners like dates, vanilla extract, or maple syrup to enhance the flavor. For equipment, a blender is essential for combining the ingredients and a nut milk bag or a fine mesh strainer is needed to filter out the pulp.
Making Almond Milk
Almond milk is one of the most popular plant-based milks due to its light flavor and nutritional profile. Begin by soaking 1 cup of raw almonds in water overnight to soften them. This step is crucial as it breaks down enzymes, allowing for better nutrient absorption and easier blending.
After soaking, drain and rinse the almonds. Combine them with 4 cups of water in a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth. Using a nut milk bag or a strainer, filter the almond mixture into a bowl, squeezing or pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. The resulting liquid is your almond milk, which can be flavored or sweetened as desired.
Making Oat Milk
Oat milk is celebrated for its creaminess and is incredibly easy to make. Start with 1 cup of rolled oats and rinse them thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. Soaking is not necessary for oats as it can make the milk slimy. After rinsing, add the oats to a blender with 4 cups of cold water. Too much heat from blending can also affect the texture, so it’s advisable to blend in short bursts.
Once blended, strain the mixture using a nut milk bag, a fine mesh strainer, or even a clean T-shirt. Press or squeeze to extract the milk, and avoid over-squeezing, which can release more starch and make the milk thicker. You can flavor your oat milk the same way as almond milk.
Making Soy Milk
Soy milk requires a bit more preparation but is highly nutritious. Start by soaking 1 cup of soybeans overnight. After soaking, peel the soybeans for a smoother milk, although this step is optional. Blend the soaked and drained soybeans with 4 cups of water until smooth.
Cook the blended soy mixture. Pour it into a large pot and bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. This step is crucial as raw soybeans contain substances that can be harmful when ingested. After cooking, strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. The final product can be flavored like other vegan milks.
Storing Homemade Vegan Milk
Homemade vegan milk should be stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically lasts about 3-5 days. Since it doesn’t contain preservatives, it’s important to shake the container well before each use as separation is natural. For longer storage, consider freezing the milk in ice cube trays for easy use in smoothies or cooking.
Making your own vegan milk at home is not only a fun and economical choice but also allows you to control the ingredients according to your dietary preferences. Whether you prefer the nuttiness of almond milk, the creaminess of oat milk, or the richness of soy milk, each type can be easily customized and used in various recipes. Experiment with different bases and flavors to find your perfect match.