Cashew milk is a smooth, creamy, and naturally sweet plant-based milk that is super easy to make at home. It’s great for adding to smoothies, coffee, baking, or just enjoying in a glass on its own.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
- 4 cups water
- Optional: 1-2 tsp maple syrup or agave, 1 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Soak the Cashews:
- To make cashew milk, start by soaking your raw cashews. Place them in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, you can soak them in hot water for 30 minutes to speed up the process.
- Rinse the Cashews:
- After soaking, drain and rinse the cashews well under cold water. This helps remove any leftover residue and makes the milk smoother.
- Blend the Cashews:
- Add the soaked cashews and 4 cups of water to a high-speed blender. You can add any optional flavorings at this stage (sweetener, vanilla, or a pinch of salt).
- Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the cashews are fully blended, and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Strain the Milk (Optional):
- Unlike almond or hemp milk, cashew milk doesn’t need to be strained because cashews break down so well in the blender. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the milk using a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or a fine mesh strainer.
- Store the Cashew Milk:
- Pour the cashew milk into a clean jar or bottle. Store it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Remember to shake well before using, as natural separation may occur over time.
- Optional Uses for Leftover Pulp:
- If you strain the cashew milk, you can use the leftover pulp in smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, or as a base for energy balls.
Tips for Perfect Cashew Milk:
- Sweetener: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup, agave, or another sweetener of your choice.
- Flavor Variations: For a little extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the blend.
- Consistency: For a creamier milk, you can use less water or add an extra handful of cashews.
Cashew milk is incredibly versatile and makes a great dairy-free alternative to use in everything from lattes to cereal to baking. With just a few simple steps, you can make it fresh at home and enjoy its rich, creamy texture!