Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk and can be consumed by persons unable to drink dairy milk. It also has a great taste of its own and is much loved by those who drink it regularly.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups or 220 grams of raw almonds (unsalted, uncooked)
- 4 cups or 940 millilitres of filtered or spring water
- 1 vanilla bean; scoop out the seeds; alternatively, use 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence or extract
Step 1
Soak the almonds in water overnight. Do this for at least 8 hours, up to about 12 hours. The soaking makes the almonds more digestible to taste and also softens them well for use.
Step 2
Drain the water from the soaking almonds. It is not needed again.
Step 3
Blend the almonds in 4 cups of fresh spring or filtered water. Add the vanilla extract and continue blending until well mixed.
Step 4
Sweeten to taste if desired. If you want to sweeten the almond milk, add agave syrup, rice syrup, honey or other reasonably healthy sweetener, to taste.
Step 5
Strain. This is very important or you will be drinking almond pulp as well as the milk. Using something like a very fine strainer or sieve, or several layers of cheesecloth (muslin), pour the almond milk through the filter into a large bowl underneath. The filter will retain the almond pulp and the liquid will go through.
Step 6
Squeeze the remaining pulp. This will remove the last of the liquid. It is easier if done using a cloth; otherwise, use your very clean hands.
Step 7
Store. Almond milk can be kept in the refrigerator for 4 - 7 days, covered. It will usually need shaking before serving, to remix the liquid.
Step 8
Use. Almond milk can be used with a range of foods where you would use dairy milk, such as for cooking, for cereals, for drinking etc. Those who love almond milk often find drinking it is best.
Tips
- It is important to use several layers of cheesecloth to make a filter.
- Some health food stores and online retailers sell special nut milk strainer.
- If you would like to add dates as a sweetener, try adding 3 - 5 pitted dates at the same time as you blend the almonds..
Things You'll Need
- Blender
- Large bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Fine sieve or strainer; or layers of cheesecloth/muslin
- Storage jug with lid or cover
