Plant milk is a healthy and ecological alternative to animal milk. It is made from plants such as almonds, soy or oats and can be used in various sweet or savory recipes. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover how to prepare homemade plant-based milk, the benefits of this practice and a recipe for using leftovers. We will also discuss the option of purchasing plant-based milk in a returnable bottle.
Why make your own plant-based milk?
Prepare your own homemade vegetable milk has several advantages:
- Health : Choosing natural ingredients without additives or preservatives allows you to control their nutritional quality.
- Economy : Homemade is generally less expensive than store bought.
- Sustainability : Reducing the number of disposable packaging helps reduce pollution and plastic waste.
- Personalization: You can adapt the recipe to your tastes and preferences, adding flavorings or adjusting the sugar level.
Equipment needed to prepare homemade vegetable milk
To make your own plant-based milk, you will need the following items:
- A powerful mixer or blender
- A vegetable milk bag or cheesecloth (thin fabric to filter the liquid)
- A container to collect the liquid (bowl, salad bowl, etc.)
- Airtight jars to keep milk cool
Manufacturing plant-based milk: general steps
Although each type of plant-based milk may require specific adjustments in its preparation, here are the general steps for making plant-based milk at home:
- Soak the main ingredients (almonds, cashews, oatmeal, etc.) for several hours or overnight. This will improve their digestibility and make it easier to mix.
- Rinse the soaked ingredients thoroughly under cold water.
- Add the ingredients to a blender with water (the proportion of water will depend on the type of milk and the desired consistency). Mix for 1 to 2 minutes until you obtain a homogeneous texture.
- Place the vegetable milk bag or cheesecloth over a container and pour the mixture obtained. Squeeze gently to extract all the liquid. The solid residue remaining in the bag is called “okara” and can be used in other recipes.
- Transfer the filtered milk into airtight jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Recipe to use up leftovers: okara cookies
Okara, a solid residue obtained after filtering vegetable milk, can be used to prepare various recipes, including these delicious biscuits:
- 200 g okara
- 100 g wholemeal flour
- 50 g whole sugar or other natural sweetener
- 60 ml of vegetable oil (sunflower, coconut, etc.)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (th.6).
- In a salad bowl, mix all the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous paste.
- Form small balls of dough and place them on a baking tray covered with baking paper. Flatten the balls slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cookies are golden brown. Let cool before eating.
Buying plant-based milk in a returnable bottle: a sustainable alternative
For those who don’t have the time or inclination to prepare their own homemade plant-based milk, there are now more eco-friendly options than disposable cartons. Some organic stores or bulk grocery stores offer vegetable milk in returnable bottles, that is to say sold in a reusable container that you will return to the store once empty to recover your deposit (a sum of money deducted when initial purchase). This practice helps limit plastic packaging and promotes a circular economy.
Make your own homemade vegetable milk is simple, economical and beneficial for the environment. By following this detailed guide, you will be able to make various types of plant-based milks according to your tastes and needs. Feel free to experiment with different plants and flavors to create your own blends! And if you don’t want to make your own plant-based milk, consider the option of returnable bottles for a more sustainable choice.
