Oat milk is a quick and nutritious alternative to traditional dairy, ideal for those following a vegan or lactose-free diet. Preparing it is straightforward: blend rolled oats with water, then strain for a silky, homemade beverage.
It's suitable for breakfast or as a versatile dairy substitute in a variety of recipes. Making oat milk at home allows you to avoid processed ingredients, providing a fresh, wholesome option in just minutes.
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Ingredients Overview
To prepare homemade oat milk, you'll need the following ingredients.
- Rolled Oats: Opt for rolled oats as they are less likely to create a slimy texture.
- Water: Ice-cold, filtered water is best for blending and helps to produce a non-slimy milk.
- Salt: A pinch can be added to taste, but it's optional.
- Dates: These can be included to naturally sweeten the milk, but they are also optional. If you're using dates, ensure they're pitted before blending.
These ingredients combine to create a simple, healthful oat milk, and all are commonly found at local grocery stores. Customize to your preference, keeping the recipe as simple or as enhanced as you like.
How to make Oat Milk?
Dive into the simplicity of plant-based nutrition with our homemade oat milk recipe. Follow along with vivid photos and a step-by-step video that makes crafting this dairy-free delight a breeze. Let's get started!
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How to Make Oat Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rolled Oats
- 3 cups Filtered Water
- Salt, to taste, optional
- 4 piece Dates, optional
Instructions
To make Oat Milk
- Combine rolled oats, optional dates, a pinch of salt, and water in a blender.
- Secure the lid and blend on high for 30 to 35 seconds.
- After blending, strain the mixture through a fine mesh to separate the milk.
- Transfer the strained oat milk into a glass or jar for serving.
To Serve
- Enjoy this nutritious homemade oat milk for breakfast, in recipes, or as a milk substitute.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- For Non-Slimy Texture: Use rolled oats and blend with water for no longer than 35 seconds to prevent sliminess.
- Sweetness: Oats naturally have a subtle sweetness, but feel free to add your preferred sweeteners. Dates are a great natural option, though they're not necessary.
- Straining: For a smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh or nut milk bag. For extra refinement, strain twice to minimize pulp in your drink.
- Flavoring: Add a splash of vanilla essence during blending to create a flavored version like Vanilla Oat Milk.
- Pulp Utilization: Don’t discard the leftover oat pulp; it's excellent in smoothies or baked goods for added fiber.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer: We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
Explore our extensive selection of milk-based drinks for more delightful and wholesome options. We have a variety for every preference and dietary requirement!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
- Keep your homemade oat milk fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days; just ensure it's sealed in an airtight container or mason jar. This helps maintain its quality and freshness.
- Enjoy this homemade oat milk chilled and straight from the fridge, or incorporate it into your baking recipes and smoothies for a creamy addition. However, it's best to avoid using it in hot drinks, as it can become slimy when heated.
Benefits
Oat milk is an excellent option for those seeking a nutritious, dairy-free milk alternative. Here are some key benefits:
- Lactose-Free: It's an ideal choice for anyone lactose intolerant or looking to avoid dairy products.
- Vegan Friendly: This milk suits a vegan diet perfectly, being both plant-based and nut-free.
- Rich in Vitamin B: Oats provide riboflavin and B12, essential for maintaining healthy hair, nails, and skin.
- Bone Health: Often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, oat milk supports strong bones.
- Heart Health: The soluble fiber in oats can aid in lowering cholesterol levels, contributing to a healthier heart, as noted by nutrition experts like those at Healthline.
FAQ
While oats are inherently gluten-free, cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains can occur during processing. For truly gluten-free oat milk, it's essential to use oats that are certified gluten-free.
Oat milk has a naturally mild sweetness and a subtly nutty flavor. Its taste is reminiscent of oats but doesn't overwhelm when mixed into other recipes or beverages such as tea or coffee.
Oat milk is high in carbohydrates, reflecting the natural composition of oats. Consequently, it's not typically suitable for a ketogenic diet, which requires low carb intake.
Farah
Does your nutrition estimate include the optional dates?
Sangeetha Vel
Hi Farah,
Yes, it does include the dates as well.