How to Make Creamy Almond Milk With Vitamix: A StepbyStep Guide
How to Make Almond Milk With Vitamix?
To make almond milk with a Vitamix, start by soaking 1 cup of raw almonds in water overnight.
Drain and rinse the almonds before adding them to the blender.
Next, pour in 4 cups of water.
Blend on high speed for approximately 2 minutes.
Once blended, strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth, squeezing the bag to extract as much milk as possible.
At this point, you can add sweeteners or flavorings if desired.
Lastly, store the almond milk in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Key Points:
- Soak 1 cup of raw almonds in water overnight
- Drain and rinse almonds before adding to blender
- Add 4 cups of water to blender
- Blend on high speed for 2 minutes
- Strain mixture through nut milk bag or cheesecloth
- Add sweeteners or flavorings if desired
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that almond milk is not actually a milk at all? It is a plant-based beverage made by blending almonds with water, and it’s a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan lifestyle.
2. The Vitamix, a high-performance blender, is considered one of the best tools for making almond milk due to its powerful motor and sharp blades. Its versatility also allows you to create other delicious recipes like soups, nut butters, and even ice cream!
3. Almond milk has been enjoyed for centuries and was first mentioned in a medieval cookbook dating back to the 14th century. Back then, it was mainly used as a substitute for cow’s milk during fasting periods.
4. While store-bought almond milk is convenient, making your own at home can be a fun and cost-effective alternative. Not only do you have control over the quality and freshness of the ingredients, but you can also customize the flavor by adding sweeteners or spices like vanilla or cinnamon.
5. Almond milk is a nutritious beverage that provides several health benefits. It is naturally low in calories, cholesterol-free, and contains significant amounts of vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium. It also offers a great source of plant-based proteins, making it a popular choice among those following a plant-based diet.
1. Soak Raw Almonds In Water Overnight
To make your own delicious almond milk at home using a Vitamix blender, start by soaking 1 cup of raw almonds in water overnight. Soaking almonds helps to soften them, making it easier to blend them into a smooth and creamy milk. Additionally, soaking almonds also activates enzymes that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.
When soaking your almonds, make sure to use enough water to fully submerge them. It is also recommended to add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor and soften the almonds further. After soaking overnight, the almonds will become plump and slightly softer.
2. Blend Soaked Almonds And Water In Vitamix
Once the almonds have been soaked overnight, drain and rinse them to remove any residue. Transfer the soaked almonds into the container of your Vitamix blender. Next, add 4 cups of water to the blender. The amount of water can be adjusted based on your desired consistency, with less water resulting in a thicker milk.
Secure the lid of the Vitamix container and blend on high speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The powerful motor of the Vitamix blender ensures a silky smooth texture for your almond milk, without the need for straining through a fine sieve.
3. Strain Mixture Through Nut Milk Bag Or Cheesecloth
If you want a completely smooth almond milk without any pulp or sediment, you can strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. These specialized straining tools effectively remove any remaining almond particles, resulting in a silky-smooth texture.
To strain the mixture, simply place the nut milk bag or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the blended almond mixture into the center of the bag or cloth, allowing it to pass through gradually. Use clean hands to gently squeeze and massage the bag or cloth, helping to extract as much milk as possible while leaving behind any solid particles.
4. Squeeze Bag To Extract Almond Milk
To achieve the creamiest almond milk, it’s crucial to thoroughly squeeze the nut milk bag or cheesecloth to extract every last drop of milk. Applying gentle pressure, work your way from the top of the bag or cloth down to the bottom, gradually squeezing out the liquid. Repeat this process until no more milk is being extracted.
By squeezing the bag or cloth, you’re ensuring that you maximize the yield of your homemade almond milk while leaving behind the fiber-rich almond pulp. Properly squeezing helps to achieve a smooth and consistent texture, resulting in a velvety mouthfeel.
Improvements:
- Thoroughly squeeze the nut milk bag or cheesecloth to extract every last drop of almond milk.
- Apply gentle pressure and work your way from the top to the bottom of the bag or cloth, gradually squeezing out the liquid.
- Repeat the squeezing process until no more milk is extracted.
- Squeezing maximizes the yield of almond milk and separates it from the fiber-rich almond pulp.
- Achieve a smooth and consistent texture for a velvety mouthfeel.
5. Optional: Add Sweeteners Or Flavorings
Once you have obtained the base almond milk, it’s time to personalize its taste by adding optional sweeteners or flavorings. This step is entirely up to your personal preference. If you enjoy a slightly sweet almond milk, you can add a natural sweetener such as maple syrup, honey, or dates. For additional flavorings, you can experiment with vanilla extract, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or even a dash of almond or coconut essence.
Remember to add these sweeteners or flavorings gradually, tasting as you go until you achieve your desired flavor profile. Be mindful not to overpower the natural nuttiness of the almond milk.
6. Store In Refrigerator For Up To 5 Days
To ensure freshness, it is recommended to store the almond milk in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Homemade almond milk can typically last up to 5 days when refrigerated properly.
Upon storage, naturally, the mixture may separate, with the heavier particles settling at the bottom. Remember to give the almond milk a good shake before each use to redistribute the content and enjoy it at its best consistency.
Making creamy almond milk at home using a Vitamix blender is a straightforward and rewarding process. With this step-by-step guide, you can create your own luscious and flavor-packed almond milk, free from additives or preservatives. Experiment with different sweeteners and flavorings to find your perfect blend, and enjoy the versatility of almond milk in your favorite recipes and beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many almonds does it take to make 1 Litre of almond milk?
To achieve a creamy and delicious 1 liter of almond milk, approximately 1 cup of almonds is required when mixed with 4 cups of water. However, it is important to note that the ratio of almonds to water can be altered according to personal preference for thickness. Adjusting this ratio can help you customize the almond milk to your desired consistency, ensuring a delightful beverage tailored to your taste buds.
What Vitamix model is best for nut milk?
When it comes to making nut milk, the Vitamix 5200 Blender is the top choice. With its powerful performance and versatile features, this model excels at blending nuts into smooth, creamy milk. Its high-speed motor and variable speed control allow you to easily achieve the desired consistency for your homemade nut milk. Additionally, the durable design of the Vitamix 5200 ensures that it can handle the tough task of blending nuts, making it the best option for nut milk enthusiasts.
Is it cheaper to make almond milk yourself?
Yes, making almond milk yourself can save you money in the long run. While it may seem expensive if you need a large quantity of nuts for just a few cups of milk, the cost per cup will still be significantly lower compared to buying commercially-made almond milk. Plus, you have the added benefit of knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your milk and having control over the taste and consistency.
However, if cost is your primary concern, making oat milk at home is even more economical. Oats are relatively inexpensive and readily available, making it incredibly budget-friendly to whip up a batch of creamy oat milk in your own kitchen. With just oats, water, and a blender, you can create a delicious dairy-free alternative that is not only cheaper than store-bought options but also customizable to suit your personal preferences.
Why does almond milk not froth well?
The lack of protein in almond milk is responsible for its poor frothing capabilities. With a lower protein content and a higher water content, achieving the desired frothiness becomes challenging. Since almond milk usually contains a small percentage of actual almonds in many brands, the majority of the liquid consists of water, which hinders the development of a rich and creamy froth.