Discover the joy of homemade almond milk, a creamy and nutritious alternative to dairy. Perfect for vegans and anyone looking to switch things up, it's ideal for your morning cereal, coffee, smoothies, and beyond. With its versatility in both baking and cooking, this dairy-free milk is a kitchen essential.
Begin by placing the raw almonds in a bowl and covering them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 to 5 hours. This softens the almonds, making them easier to blend and helping to release their nutrients.
After soaking, drain the almonds and discard the soaking water. Place the softened almonds into your blender. Add fresh, filtered water for blending, along with dates for a hint of natural sweetness and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Secure the blender lid tightly. Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mixture looks smooth and creamy. Be patient; the smoother the blend, the creamier your almond milk.
Set a strainer over a large bowl and line it with cheesecloth. Pour the almond mixture through. The cheesecloth will catch the solids, letting the milk filter through smoothly.
Once all the liquid is in the strainer, gather the corners of the cheesecloth and twist to enclose the almond pulp. Squeeze firmly to extract as much milk as possible. The harder you squeeze, the more milk you'll get.
Transfer the freshly made almond milk into a serving glass. You can enjoy it immediately for the freshest taste or store it in the refrigerator for later use.
Serving
Enjoy this creamy and delightful homemade almond milk with your favorite cereals, add a splash to your tea or coffee, blend it into smoothies, or savor its pure, refreshing taste just as it is.
Notes
Here are some of my tips to elevate your homemade almond milk experience:
Soaking Almonds Overnight: Let your almonds soak overnight to soften them, making them not just easier to blend but also easier on your stomach. This step unlocks the almonds' full nutritional potential, enhancing your milk's health benefits.
Natural Sweetness and Flavor: While I love the health perks of unsweetened almond milk, I often add a few dates for a subtle, natural sweetness. A dash of vanilla extract can also elevate the flavor profile, but remember, these touches are optional and customizable to your taste.
Achieving Silky Smooth Milk: For that irresistibly smooth and silky texture, I can't recommend enough using a cheesecloth or a nut milk bag for straining. It's a simple step that makes all the difference in your milk's quality, ensuring each sip is pure bliss.
Repurposing Almond Pulp: Don't toss out that almond pulp! It's a versatile by-product that can add fiber and texture to smoothies, baked goods like crackers and brownies, or even your dough for flatbreads or rotis. It's a zero-waste approach that maximizes your ingredients.
Reduce Waste: In addition to using the almond pulp in recipes, you can also dry it out in a low oven and then grind it to make almond meal. This gluten-free flour alternative is perfect for baking and cooking.