Crafting your own plant-based milk at home like a pro
Creating your own plant-based milk at home is easy, affordable, and a great way to ensure you're enjoying the freshest possible non-dairy drinks. Whether you love almond, soy, oat, or any other plant milk, the basic process is the same: blend your chosen ingredient with water and then strain it. Read on for a step-by-step guide to making delicious, nutritious plant-based milk in your own kitchen.
Selecting your base ingredient
The first step in creating delicious plant-based milk is selecting your base ingredient. Almonds, oats, soybeans, and cashews are favorites for their nutrient-rich profiles and distinct flavors. Each base lends a unique taste and texture to the milk. Almond milk is known for its light, subtly sweet flavor, while oat milk offers a creamier texture with a more neutral taste.
Preparing your ingredients
Before blending your plant-based milk, a bit of prep can make all the difference in texture and flavor. For nuts and seeds like almonds or cashews, soaking them overnight softens them up, making blending easier and resulting in a creamier milk. Soybeans need both soaking and cooking prior to blending to ensure they're safe and smooth. Oats don't require soaking, but a quick rinse helps reduce any sliminess in the finished milk, creating a cleaner, more enjoyable consistency.
Blending and straining
Once your ingredients are ready, combine them with fresh water in a blender and blend at high speed until smooth. A good starting point is one part base ingredient to three parts water, but you can adjust to taste. Blend well, then strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a bowl or pitcher, making sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible for maximum yield.
Flavoring your milk
One benefit of making your own plant-based milk is the ability to tailor its taste to your liking. Adding a bit of vanilla extract can lend a hint of sweetness, and using dates as a natural sweetener helps avoid artificial additives. A pinch of salt can subtly elevate the flavor, while a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder provides a fun option for flavored milks.
Storing your plant-based milk
Transfer your homemade plant-based milk to an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately after preparation. It typically stays fresh for three to five days when kept cold. Expect some separation since it doesn't contain commercial emulsifiers. A good shake before each use will blend it back to a uniform texture and taste.
