Almond/Walnut Milk

Almond milk recipe: a healthy and delicious alternative

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Straining time: 5 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 (approximately 1 liter)

In a world where food options are increasingly diverse, almond milk has gained popularity as a healthy and sweet alternative to traditional milk. It is not only an excellent choice for those following a vegan or lacto-vegetarian diet, but it is also a rich source of nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. Additionally, it is an easy option to prepare at home, providing you with a fresh and delicious product!

Let me teach you how to make creamy almond milk that you can use in smoothies, cereals, or simply enjoy cold.

Ingredients

- 1 cup almonds (or any kind of raw nuts) - make sure they are raw and not roasted, to achieve a purer and healthier taste. Soaked nuts will contribute to a smoother texture of the milk.
- 10 dates (optional) - adds natural sweetness without using refined sugar. If you prefer a less sweet milk, you can adjust the number of dates to taste.
- 1 liter water - you can use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
- 3-4 tablespoons honey (optional) - a natural alternative to sugar, adding a touch of sweetness. You can adjust the amount according to your preferences.
- Vanilla extract (optional) - for a more aromatic flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.

Preparation

1. Soak the almonds: Start by soaking the almonds in water for 8-12 hours. This step is essential as it helps soften the nuts, making them easier to blend and improving their digestibility. You can do this in the evening and prepare the milk in the morning.

2. Rinse the almonds: After soaking, rinse the almonds under cold running water. This will remove enzymes and anti-nutritional substances, making the milk healthier.

3. Add ingredients to the blender: Place the almonds (or your preferred nuts), dates (if using), water, honey, and vanilla extract in the blender. Make sure your blender has enough power to turn the almonds into a fine puree. If you don't have a very powerful blender, you can add more water to ease the process.

4. Blending: Blend the ingredients on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. You will see how the almonds transform into a fine, white milk.

5. Straining: Prepare a cheesecloth or fine strainer and place it over a large bowl or container. Pour the mixture from the blender through the strainer, allowing the milk to drain. Use a spatula or your hands to squeeze the cloth, extracting all the liquid. Move on to the next step with the remaining pulp, which can be used in various cookie or granola recipes.

6. Taste and adjust: Taste the milk and adjust the sweetness according to your preferences. If needed, you can add a little more honey or dates.

7. Storage: Pour the almond milk into a glass bottle or airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume it within 3-5 days, but it may separate. Shake the bottle before use to homogenize the milk.

Chef's tip

For an even more intense flavor, you can lightly roast the almonds before soaking them, but be careful not to burn them. You can also experiment with other nuts, such as cashews or hazelnuts, to achieve different flavors.

Recipe variations

- Mixed nut milk: You can combine almonds with other nuts, such as cashews, pistachios, or hazelnuts, to create a nut milk with a complex flavor.
- Almond milk with cocoa: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the ingredient mix for a delicious chocolate milk, perfect for enjoying with cereals or in a smoothie.
- Almond milk with spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a piece of fresh ginger for a touch of exotic flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Almond milk is low in calories, with about 30-50 calories per cup, depending on how it is prepared and whether sweeteners are added. It is an excellent source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. It also contains calcium and magnesium, making it a healthy alternative for strong bones.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other nuts?
Yes, you can experiment with various nuts, such as cashews or hazelnuts, to achieve different flavors.

2. How can I use the leftover pulp?
Almond pulp can be used in smoothies, cookies, or granola. Don't throw it away!

3. Is it necessary to sweeten the milk?
No, this is a personal choice. You can opt for an unsweetened version, which will be just as delicious.

4. How long does almond milk last?
In the refrigerator, almond milk lasts between 3-5 days. Make sure to shake it well before each use.

What to serve it with

Almond milk pairs perfectly with various dishes, such as:
- Breakfast cereals
- Energizing smoothies
- Coffee or tea (for a creamier alternative)
- Pancakes or waffles

I hope this almond milk recipe inspires you to make your own version at home. It is a healthy, versatile, and very satisfying choice. Enjoy it with pleasure and don't hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family!