DIY Oat Milk: The Easy Recipe to Make it At Home

Oat milk is a delicious and healthy alternative to dairy milk. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your morning coffee, or you’re vegan or simply lactose intolerant, oat milk is a great option. And the good news is, it’s super easy to make at home! This article will guide you through the process of making your own oat milk from scratch.

To start with, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients: oats, water, and a sweetener (optional). You can add other flavors as well, depending on your preference. Making oat milk at home is not only fun, but it also saves you money compared to buying it from the store. Plus, you’ll have full control over the quality of the milk. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the process!

What You Need to Make Oat Milk at Home

Making oat milk at home is an easy and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of plant-based milk without having to purchase expensive options from the store. In this section, we’ll be covering the essential tools and ingredients you need to make oat milk at home.

Ingredients:

The great thing about making oat milk is that it only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. You’ll need rolled oats, water, and optionally, sweeteners such as dates or maple syrup.

Tools:

You’ll also need some basic kitchen tools such as a blender or food processor, cheesecloth or a nut milk bag, and a large mixing bowl. These tools are necessary for achieving a smooth and creamy texture without any lumps or grit.

Choosing the Right Oats:

When making oat milk, it’s best to use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats. Rolled oats blend smoother and will give you a creamier consistency. Be sure to use plain, unsweetened oats to ensure you have complete control over the flavor profile of your oat milk.

Soaking:

Before blending your oats, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to soften them up. Soaking also helps to remove any bitterness that may be present in the oats.

Blending:

Once your oats have soaked, strain them and transfer them to a blender. Add fresh water to the blender and blend until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.

Straining:

Next, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth to remove any remaining oat pulp and solids. This will result in a smoother texture and more enjoyable drinking experience.

Sweetening:

If you prefer a sweeter oat milk, you can add a natural sweetener such as dates or maple syrup to the mixture before blending. This will give your oat milk a delicious and inviting flavor profile.

Storing:

Your homemade oat milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before drinking, give the milk a good shake as it may separate over time.

Other Variations:

Once you’ve mastered the basics of making oat milk, feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. You can add cacao powder, vanilla extract or spices like cinnamon to enhance the flavor.

Environmental Benefits:

In addition to being tasty and nutritious, making oat milk at home is a simple way to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle. Unlike animal milk, which requires the use of resources like water and land, making oat milk does not cause harm to animals or the environment. Plus, you’ll reduce the carbon footprint of your household by making and consuming oat milk at home.

In conclusion, making oat milk at home has never been easier. With just a few simple ingredients and tools, you can enjoy a healthy and sustainable plant-based milk that’s perfect for your lifestyle and dietary needs. So why not give it a try today?

Tools and Ingredients Needed to Make Oat Milk at Home

Once you’re ready to start making your own oat milk at home, you’ll need a few essential tools and ingredients. Here’s a list of materials you should have on hand:

1. Rolled Oats – You’ll need at least one cup of rolled oats to make one liter of oat milk. You can use any type of rolled oats, including old-fashioned or quick cooking oats.

2. Filtered Water – Use cold tap water or filtered water to prepare the oat milk.

3. Blender – Any type of blender will work, but high-speed blenders like Vitamix and Blendtec will produce the smoothest and creamiest oat milk.

4. Nut Milk Bag or Cheesecloth – A nut milk bag or cheesecloth is necessary to strain the oat milk from the blended oats.

5. Large Bowl or Pitcher – You’ll need a large bowl or pitcher to strain and store the oat milk.

6. Sweeteners (Optional) – If you prefer your oat milk sweetened, you can add sugar, honey, maple syrup, or any other sweetener of your choice.

7. Flavors and Extracts (Optional) – You can add vanilla extract, cinnamon, or any other flavorings of your choice to enhance the taste of the oat milk.

8. Salt (Optional) – A pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of the oat milk.

9. Storage Container – You’ll need a storage container with a lid to store the oat milk in the fridge.

10. Patience – Making oat milk at home takes time and patience. Be prepared to spend at least 20-30 minutes making your oat milk.

With these tools and ingredients, you’re ready to make your own oat milk at home. The next section will outline the steps to follow when making this delicious and creamy plant-based milk.

Benefits of Making Oat Milk at Home

Making oat milk at home can have several benefits, not just for your health, but for the environment as well. Here are some of the benefits worth noting:

1. Reduced Waste

When you make oat milk at home, you can control the amount you make and store it in a reusable container. This helps in reducing waste by avoiding the need to purchase packaged oat milk, which may have single-use plastic containers.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), plastic pollution is a massive problem, with over 8 million metric tons of plastic ending up in our oceans each year. By making oat milk at home, you can help reduce plastic waste and contribute to a cleaner environment.

2. Cost-effective

Buying oat milk from the store can be quite expensive. Making oat milk at home can be a more cost-effective option.

You can buy a large bag of oatmeal that could last several batches of oat milk making instead of purchasing store-bought oat milk every few days. In this way, you can save money in the long run.

3. Customizable

When you make oat milk at home, you have control over the ingredients used, making it more customizable. You can add extra sweetness, flavors, or spices to make it precisely the way you like it. This customization option is not possible with store-bought oat milk.

4. Health Benefits

Oats are packed with essential nutrients, making oat milk a healthy alternative to dairy milk. Oat milk contains beta-glucans, which help reduce cholesterol levels, and it is an excellent source of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and calcium.

Store-bought oat milk may contain added sugars and preservatives that are harmful to your health. Making it at home with healthy ingredients ensures that you’re drinking a product that’s better for your overall health.

5. Freshness

When you make oat milk at home, it’s fresh, and you can make it as per your required quantity. You don’t have to worry about drinking oat milk past its expiration date if it’s been sitting in your fridge for too long.

Store-bought oat milk, on the other hand, may sit on the shelf for several months before it gets to you. In this time, it could lose some of its nutritional value.

In conclusion, making oat milk at home can be beneficial for your health, wallet, and the environment. With just a few easy steps, you can make delicious, customizable, and healthy oat milk in the comfort of your home. So, grab a bag of oats, your blender, and let’s get started!

Enjoy Your Homemade Oat Milk

And there you have it, making oat milk is super easy and delicious. Now you can make your own at home to ensure that it is free of any added sugars or preservatives. Use it as a dairy-free alternative in your smoothies, cereal, or coffee. Thanks for reading this article, and don’t forget to come back for more exciting recipes and tips. Happy milk-making!