Almond milk is a delicious, alkalizing drink that is a wonderful alternative if you’re avoiding dairy. How do you make almond milk? It’s easy! Here’s how.
Almond milk is a delicious, alkalizing drink that is a wonderful alternative if you’re avoiding dairy. It’s also really easy to make!
Almond Milk is the Most Popular Plant-based Milk in the U.S
It replaced soy milk in popularity in 2013 (thank goodness!).
While we might think of almond milk being a newer invention, it actually has its origins in the Middle Ages. It was a medieval staple because it could keep longer than dairy without spoiling (although, in my experience, it still expires pretty quickly!). It was also used as a replacement milk during Lent.
Almond Milk is Good For You
Almonds are high in vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, manganese, zinc, potassium, iron, phosphorus, copper, and calcium. They are also high in oxalates, which can cause some issues for a small population of people.
Almonds, like most nuts and seeds, contain anti-nutrients which can be neutralized with a salt water soak, which we will do in this recipe.
Most Almonds in the U.S. Are Pasteurized
This unfortunate reality is based on a 2007 USDA ruling after outbreaks of salmonella bacteria were traced to almonds in 2001 and 2004. Your pasteurized almonds will still make a fine milk, but it will not be truly raw. However, if you look around online, it is possible to find sellers of truly raw almonds.
If raw isn’t as important to you, you can find great deals on almonds on good ol’ Amazon.com.
How to Make Almond Milk
Since I’m avoiding dairy and getting sick of coconut milk, I decided to make almond milk.
How do you make almond milk? Well, it’s actually pretty easy! Here’s how to do it.
How to Make Almond Milk: Ingredients
- 2 cups raw almonds
- 8 cups of filtered water, divided
- 1/2 TB sea salt
How to Make Almond Milk: Directions
- To make almond milk and disable the “anti-nutrients” in raw nuts (these include lectins, phytates, and enzyme inhibitors), you’ll want to soak your almonds for 12 hours prior to making your almond milk. (Bonus: soaking your nuts can enhance flavors and increase the creaminess.) To do this, simply add your nuts into a mason jar or similar vessel, add your salt, cover them fully with water, and let sit overnight.
- After your nuts have had a good soak, drain the water and give them a good rinse.
- Add your nuts to your blender or food processor.
- Add 4 cups filtered water
- Blend at the highest speed for two minutes
- Strain your blended liquid into a pitcher or bowl. You may use cheesecloth to strain, but grabbing an inexpensive nut bag will make your life a lot easier.
- Squeeze all the liquid out of your nut bag and into the bowl
- Enjoy!
Want to Kick Up the Flavor?
There are so many ways you can add flavor and spice to your almond milk!
For starter, add 8 dates in the blender before you blend. That will give you a naturally sweet and wonderful milk.
Enjoy that? Now get adventurous! Try adding:
- 1/4 c. cacao powder
- 1/4 c. honey or maple syrup
- 1 vanilla bean or 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or pumpkin spice
What to Do With Leftover Almond Pulp
Don’t throw that almond pulp away! There are so many wonderful baked goods you can make with it. Or you can add it to smoothies, ice cream, and more. Here are 8 ideas of things to make with the leftover almond pulp.
How About You?
Do you make your own almond milk? Is your recipe different than mine? Share with me in the comments below!
