Making Plant Milks at Home

Oat, almond and other plant milks are much more accessible these days, and can be found in major stores, cafes, and restaurants all over the world. But what if we could make these milks quite simply at home for a fraction of the cost? Wouldn’t that be good? Well, we have news. You can! Check out these super simple recipes from Raj Bhatt of Indian Plant-Based Kitchen.

Make Your Own Almond Milk

Making your own almond milk is simple, and it is cheaper than buying it! Try this delicious creamy milk for your tea, coffee and breakfast cereal.

You will need:

  • 1 cup of almonds
  • 950ml water
  • 2 dates, destoned
  • Pinch sea salt 

Method:

  1. Soak the almonds overnight, then drain them.
  2. Soak the dates in water for two hours.
  3. Put the almonds and dates into a blender with the water and salt.
  4. Blend for around one minute until it is thick and creamy.
  5. Pour the mixture through muslin or a fine cheesecloth (or even an old, but clean, T-shirt) to strain out any solids. Squeeze the pulp out.
  6. Bottle up the milk and refrigerate it. 

Make Your Own Rice Milk

Rice milk is great for cooking, in oatmeal, on breakfast cereals and wherever you want a more neutral milky flavor. It’s inexpensive and easy to make!

You will need:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 950ml water
  • 2 dates, destoned
  • Pinch sea salt 

Method:

  1. Soak the rice in water for two hours, then drain it.
  2. Soak the dates in water for two hours.
  3. Put the rice and dates into a blender with the water and salt.
  4. Blend for around one minute until it is thick and creamy.
  5. Pour the mixture through muslin or a fine cheesecloth (or even an old, but clean, T-shirt) to strain out any solids. Squeeze the pulp out.
  6. Bottle up the milk and refrigerate it. 

Make Your Own Cashew Milk

Making your own plant milk is easy! You just need a little time to soak the cashews and dates, and then blend them together. That’s it! Delicious cashew milk for sauces, smoothies, “nice cream,” and milkshakes.

You will need:

  • 1 cup cashews
  • 950ml water
  • 2 dates, destoned
  • Pinch sea salt 

Method:

  1. Soak the cashews in water overnight, then drain them.
  2. Soak the dates in water for two hours.
  3. Put the cashews and dates into a blender with the water and salt.
  4. Blend for around 1-2 minutes until it is thick and creamy. (There should be no need to strain it as cashews are soft and break down easily.)
  5. Bottle up the milk and refrigerate it. 

Make Your Own Oat Milk

It’s quick and easy to make this delicious oat milk at home, and it’s cheaper than buying it. Oat milk can be used anywhere you use other milks, including in coffee, baking, and sauces.

You will need:

  • 1 cup oats
  • 950ml water
  • 2 dates, destoned
  • Pinch sea salt 

Method:

  1. Soak the dates in water for two hours.
  2. Put the oats and dates into a blender with the water and salt.
  3. Blend for around no more than 45 seconds until it is thick and creamy. 
  4. Pour the mixture through muslin or a fine cheesecloth (or even an old, but clean, T-shirt) to strain out any solids. Squeeze the pulp out.
  5. Bottle up the milk and refrigerate it. 

How Long Does Home-Made Plant Milk Last?

The advice from Raj is to keep the milk refrigerated and use it up within three days. Remember, you can add the milk to tea and coffee, make a milkshake or smoothie, eat it with breakfast cereal, or make pancakes, muffins or cookies with it. You could also make a vegan white sauce to go in lasagna or as the basis for macaroni cheese or cauliflower cheese. So many delicious options!

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