I know I’m not the only person who has wondered...How do you make milk from nuts? It’s literally been driving me nuts (pun intended!). I purchase almond milk from the store all of the time, so I decided to give it a whirl and try my hand at making my own nut milk with walnuts.
I chose to make walnut milk because, why not? It feels like a good time to get a little adventurous and stray away from the everyday almond and coconut milk. Not to mention, walnuts are powerhouses when it comes to nutrition. They are the top nut for brain health because they provide large amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which can sometimes be a challenge for those following a plant-based diet. (Side note: consuming 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds, flax meal or hemp seeds can also provide you with tons of anti-inflammatory, healing omega 3's.)
Now that I’ve made my own, I’m feeling like a master nut milk maker and now it's your chance to become a master too! Did I mention how simple it is to make your own plant-based milk?
Follow these 5 quick and easy steps to make the best nut milk you’ve ever had, simply because YOU made it.
Step 1 (optional): Soak for 4-6 Hours
Once you decide which nut you want to turn into milk, soak one cup of the raw nuts in purified water for 4-6 hours to soften them. If you’re short on time, boil the nuts in water for ten minutes. (Note: This step is optional. Raw nuts can still be blended without being soaked. I've done this with almonds and cashews plenty of times. The milk just might not be as creamy as blending soaked nuts. But either works!)
Step 2: Strain, Rinse and Blend
Once the nuts are done soaking, strain the liquid then place the nuts into a blender (I used Magic Bullet) or food processor (like this one) with 3 cups of fresh purified water. Blend. You'll notice a nice creamy white color appear once they are blended.
Step 3: Add Flavors
This is where you can tap into your creativity. To sweeten the nut milk, I like to add a dash of vanilla and one or two dates (or maple syrup). You can also add different spices, such as cinnamon, turmeric and nutmeg. The options are endless and if you prefer unsweetened nut milk, simply omit any sweetener (unsweetened and unflavored is preferable if you plan to use the nut milk in recipes that require a neutral flavor and no sweetness).
Step 4: Strain Through Nut Milk Bag
Once you blend the nuts, the nuts will have pulp* that will need to be strained out. The best way to strain the nut milk is by using a nut milk bag. I used my Ellie’s Best Bigger Better Nut Milk Bag. Lucky for you, if you do not own a nut milk bag, head over to Ellie’s Best website and purchase one for yourself! It’s so convenient and super easy to clean. Make sure to use discount code "purelyplanted" to receive 10% off!
*Creative Tip: Don't Throw Out The Pulp
To be less wasteful, a fun way to utilize the pulp is to turn it into a nut flour. You can use a dehydrator (like this one) or your oven. Cook the pulp low and slow and voila! You'll have a nut flour that you can use as a substitute in your recipes that call for nut or almond flour.
Step 5: Refrigerate and ENJOY
Drink the nut milk as is, add it to your favorite recipe, use it in cereal, or add it to your coffee—the options are endless! Most varieties of nut milk will last in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
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Hi! My name is Destiny Gresham and I am a student in Georgia State University's coordinated program for dietetics. I've always had a love for food. I started off in the field of culinary arts and quickly learned that I wanted to use food to help others. Food, nutrition and health go hand & hand and I aspire to make sure people understand the connection. I am excited to become a Registered Dietitian and to make positive impacts on others!
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