YES ! YOU CAN MAKE PLANT BASED VEGAN MILK AT HOME
Vegan milk options have gained a lot of popularity in recent times with many people shifting to these option over conventional animal dairy products. Vegan milk is basically plant-based juice that resembles the texture, taste and qualities of conventional animal milk. It can also be used to make many products.
While for some, the reason behind this shift is the cruelty that animals have to go through during the process of extraction of milk, vegan milk options have also come of great help to people who are lactose-intolerant or allergic to animal milk. Many believe that vegan milk is a healthier alternative to dairy products. Here are some of the popular vegan milk options available for consumption and their recipes to make them at home :
- ALMOND MILK
INGREDIENTS:
–1 cup overnight soaked almonds with skin
-4 cups filtered water
For Flavoring (optional):
-1-2 dates without sugar coating, peeled, chopped or 2 tablespoons honey
-Pinch of cinnamon
RECIPE :
-Put soaked almonds in blender and add only 2 cups
of water at this point. If you are using dates then
add them too now.
-You may probably need to stop a few times and
move things around with a spatula during the
blending process.
-When it becomes a paste-like mixture, add rest of
the 2 cups of water and cinnamon. Further blend it
for 3-4 minutes untill it is completely smooth and
frothy.
-At this point we may stop the process of making
almond milk as we have got a substance with the
color and consistency of milk. But all the almond
solids in the milk tend to give it a chalky texture, so
for a smoother, creamier milk, strain the almond
milk.
-You can strain it with cheesecloth or a strainer.
-Refrigerate it immediately. You may use it for
approximately 2-3 days.
TIPS :- Do not discard the leftovers it can be used in dips, smoothies, gravies or face-packs.
- COCONUT MILK
Method 1: Coconut Milk from Freshly Grated Coconut
Ingredients:
-1 cup freshly grated coconut
-4 cups filtered water
Method :
-Transfer the freshly grated coconut in a blender.
-Add little water and blend it well until smooth.
-When you blend the mixture, remember to push
down on the lid with a piled-up tea towel, to
prevent the lid from blasting off.
-Add remaining water and blend more for 2-3
minutes.
– Now, sieve the mixture with cheesecloth or a fine
sieve.
-Pour the thick milk into a bottle. Refrigerate and
you may use it for 2-3 days. You may add water to
make it thin as per your taste and requirement.
TIP :- You may make more coconut milk in a single go. But to avoid spilling of milk, do not fill the blender up to the top.
Method 2: Coconut Milk from Desiccated Coconut
Another alternative is using desiccated coconut to make homemade coconut milk. This is my quick way to do it, since I always have
desiccated coconut in my pantry. This is readily available in market in
smaller and bigger packs.
Ingredients:
-1 cup desiccated coconut
-4 cups of warm filtered water
Method:
– Pour warm water to the blender, add desiccated
coconut, and blend well.
– Sieve through a fine-mesh strainer or
cheesecloth. Refrigerate for 1-2 days for further
use.
-You may add more water to the coconut milk, if
you want it thin.
- PEANUT MILK
Ingredients:
-1 cup raw peanuts with skin, soaked overnight
-4 cups filtered water
For Flavoring:
-Pinch of cinnamon powder/cardamom powder
Or
-2-3 dates, peeled, chopped
Method:
– Drain the peanuts and place in a blender. Add 2
cups of filtered water, flavoring things and blend
utill smooth, approximately for 1 minute.
-Then add rest of the water and further blend it for
2-3 minutes.
-Strain the mixture through a sieve or cheese cloth.
-Store in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to 2 days.
Dr Indupreet Kaur
Nutritionist & Lifestyle Transformation Coach
Co Founder – The Real Health
