If you’re a milk lover like I am, then there are multiple different milk options available for you to try out! Milk is a versatile drink and can be drank plain or even with added in flavoring both in its plain, sweet or savory form. In this article I’ve penned down six different healthy milk recipes for you to try out, that can even be had by vegans too!
Here are six simple and healthy milk recipes:
1. Coconut Milk – It is a good source of iron and potassium, It is beneficial to boost immunity, and even benefit skin health. Fresh coconut is alkaline-forming, while dried coconut is acid-forming.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh grated coconut
- 4 cups of water
Method:
Blend fresh grated coconut with 2 cups of water for 1-2 mins and strain to obtain thick coconut milk.
Add the grated coconut from the strain and blend again with 2 more cups of water and bend again. Strain the coconut and you will have thinner coconut milk.
Best used for – Coconut milk is ideal for different kinds of recipes that includes curries, soups, stews, sauces, smoothies, puddings, and even ice creams! Also, the coconut milk that is meant for drinking has a thinner consistency that is ideal for teas, coffees, and cereals.
2. Rice Milk – It is beneficial for promoting better sleep, improving skin health, for overall body healthy and boosting of immunity. It can also reduce pain of arthritis and reduce inflammation. Rice is generally considered to be mildly acidic.
Method 1 – Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 4 cups of water
Use one cup of cooked rice and add it to a high-speed food processor/blender. Add the cups of water and blend. Strain the rice and your rice milk is ready to use.
Method 2 – Ingredients:
1/2 cup uncooked rice
4 cups water
Soak rice in 2 cups very hot water for 2 hours. Strain the water and add the rice to the blender along with water. You can add in a pinch of salt and sweetener if desired. Strain and store the rice milk in the fridge.
Best used for – Great for use in things like smoothies, granola, sauces, and baked goods!
3. Sesame Milk – It is rich in nutrients and can help promote weight loss. It can also keep cholesterol under control and keep blood sugar levels in regulation.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- Water
Method: Into a bowl, add in 1/4 cup of sesame seeds along with some water. Give it a stir and leave it to soak overnight, keeping the bowl covered. Note: You can also soak this for 8 hours during the day, if you do not wish to soak it overnight.
After the sesame seeds have been soaked for at least 8 hours, you will require to strain these seeds. Once you’ve strained the soaked sesame seeds, add it into a mixer blender, along with 1.5 cups of water. Blend this well until it reaches a smooth consistency. After the sesame seeds have blended in well with the water, you can strain this mixture and the sesame seed milk is ready to consume.
Best used for – Sesame milk is great just as it is, in cereals, hot chocolate or in coffee.
4. Almond Milk – Almond milk is a natural source of vitamin E which can help the body fight free radicals (disease-causing substances) as vitamin E is rich in antioxidant properties. It could also be could beneficial to those who have to reduce their sugar intake.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of almonds
- 2.5 cups of water
- 1 – 2 pitted dates (optional)
Method: soak almonds overnight in a bowl of water. In the morning, strain the water and add in the almonds along with the water to a blender and blend it well for at least 4 to 5 minutes. After the blending process, strain this almond milk using a muslin cloth or cheesecloth and it is ready to consume.
Best used for – to make delicious smoothies, shakes, teas, and coffees.
5. Oat Milk – Oat milk can be helpful in lowering one’s blood pressure levels and bad cholesterol levels. It can help you remain satiated for a longer time. Oat milk contains vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) etc. The pH level of oat milk tends to range between 6 and 7, making it slightly acidic.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled oats
(Or steel cut oats) - 1.5 to 2 cups of water
- 1 – 2 pitted dates (optional)
Method: Into a blender, add in the oats along with the water, few ice cubes and blend on high speed for around 30 to 40 seconds. Note: Do not over blend as the oat milk will become slimy. After the blending process, strain this oat milk twice using a muslin cloth or cheesecloth and it is ready to consume.
Best used for – great in both savory and sweet recipes including cereals, smoothies, cream soups, and curries.
6. Soy milk – It can also promote better digestive functioning and boost body immunity. It can also reduce stress levels and can promote weight loss and improve general bodily health. READ MORE – SOY MILK BENEFITS AND RECIPE