
Almond Milk (Lait d'amande)
A simple and nourishing recipe for homemade French-style almond milk, offering a refreshing and dairy-free alternative perfect for breakfast or as an ingredient in various dishes. Enjoy its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, customized to your taste. Almond milk has a rich history in French cuisine, particularly prominent during the Middle Ages. It served as a vital dairy substitute, especially during Lent and other fasting periods when animal products were prohibited. Its widespread use made it a staple in both savory and sweet dishes, reflecting its importance before refrigeration made dairy milk easily accessible year-round.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Raw Almonds
- 4 cups Filtered Water (for blending)
- 1 as needed Filtered Water (for soaking)
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup or Honey (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)
- 1 Pinch of Salt (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the raw almonds in a bowl and cover them with at least an inch of filtered water. Let them soak overnight, or for a minimum of 8 hours, at room temperature.
- 2
After soaking, drain the almonds thoroughly and rinse them under cold running water. This step helps remove enzyme inhibitors and makes the milk creamier.
- 3
Transfer the rinsed almonds to a high-speed blender. Add 4 cups of fresh filtered water, the optional maple syrup/honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- 4
Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is creamy and appears milky. The longer you blend, the creamier your milk will be.
- 5
Place a nut milk bag, fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, or a clean kitchen towel over a large bowl or pitcher.
- 6
Carefully pour the almond mixture into the bag/sieve. Squeeze or press firmly to extract as much liquid as possible, leaving behind the almond pulp.
- 7
Transfer the freshly made almond milk to an airtight bottle or jar.
- 8
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best taste. Shake well before each use.
Chef's Tips
- •Storage: Homemade almond milk will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separation is natural; just shake well before serving.
- •Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like cashews or hazelnuts for different flavor profiles. You can also adjust the sweetness or omit it entirely based on your preference.
- •Leftover Pulp: Don't discard the almond pulp! It can be dried and used in baking (e.g., almond flour substitute), smoothies, or even savory dishes like crackers.
- •Fun Fact: Historically, almond milk was so crucial in medieval Europe that some recipes from the era are almost identical to modern methods, proving its timeless appeal and utility.
Recommended Equipment
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