How to Prepare Homemade Almond Milk

A few years back, I decided to eat plant-based foods which opened up my world to the alternative ways to prepare popular animal-based foods. Even before going plant-based, I tried to lessen cow milk intake simply because it didn’t always sit right with my stomach. Moving into a plant-based lifestyle, I started with purchasing almond milk in the store. But as with anything purchased on the shelf, I would notice a long list of ingredients that went beyond almonds and water. That led me to learn how to make almond milk at home (it’s so simple) and in this blog post, you’ll learn how to make homemade almond milk to enjoy.

Homemade Almond Milk Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (720 ml) water (may need to add more, if needed)
• 450 g of natural almonds
• A dash of sea salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla, optional
• Dash of cinnamon, optional

Instructions:

1. Soak the Almonds: Begin by soaking the raw almonds in a bowl of water for at least 12 hours or overnight. This softens the almonds, making them easier to blend.
2. Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain and rinse the almonds thoroughly under cool running water.
3. Blend with Water: Place the almonds in a high-powered blender along with fresh cold water.
4. Strain the Mixture: Using a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or a fine-mesh strainer, strain the blended almond mixture into a large bowl. Squeeze or press to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Sweeten and Flavor (Optional): Add sweeteners like cinnamon or add a splash of vanilla extract.
6. Store and Enjoy: Transfer to a glass container with a tight lid. It can stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge.

Nutritional Benefits of Almond Milk:

Besides giving your body a break from dairy, almond milk is a great alternative for the following benefits:

1. Rich in Nutrients: A great source of essential nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium, promoting overall well-being.
2. Heart-Healthy: With no cholesterol and low saturated fat content, it supports heart health and helps maintain a healthy lipid profile.
3. Bone Health: Excellent source of calcium which is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
4. Weight Management: low-calorie alternative to dairy
5. Lactose-Free: Perfect for individuals with lactose intolerance, without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Conclusion

Making almond milk at home is a rewarding and straightforward process especially because you know the ingredients. You can save yourself the hassle of purchasing store-bought almond milk that contains several fillers. The difference is in the taste and the way your body feels. Try experimenting with flavors and recipes to find your perfect milk variation, and embrace the wholesome goodness in every sip.