Almond milk is an amazing alternative to dairy milk and provides us with a vast array of health benefits.  It possesses a smooth creaminess without creating the heaviness and congestion that is common with cow’s milk (especially for Kapha types!).  Store bought almond milk is often filled with unnecessary additives, stabilizers, and preservatives, making it heavy, congestive, devoid of nutrients, and hard-to-digest.  Freshly made almond milk is extremely easy to make, nutrient rich, very light in quality, and undeniably tastes much better than any store bought alternative.    

As you will see, this simple recipe requires only two ingredients, almonds and water.  But do not let this simplicity fool you; this drink is extremely nutritious and delicious!  Almonds are extremely rich in vitamin E, biotin, B2, copper, manganese, and magnesium.  They are a great source of plant based protein, high in fiber, and contain almost no sugar.  In Ayurveda, almonds (called badam) are considered a brain tonic and have been shown to strengthen, nourish, and calm your mind and nervous system.  They are great for the health of your skin, heart, and brain, and bones, and can be useful in diabetes, high cholesterol, and weight loss. 

Health Benefits of Almonds

• Tridoshic (when soaked and peeled)
• Brain and nervous system tonic
• Great for encouraging healthy development in children
• Increases energy, immunity, and strength
• Enhances the complexion
• Beneficial in skin conditions
• Reduces inflammation
• Heart tonic
• Reduces LDL cholesterol
• Balances blood sugar levels
• Strengthens the liver
• Aphrodisiac (boosts the libido)
• Improves sperm production
• Beneficial in premature ejaculation
• Beneficial during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding

When almond milk is made from soaked and peeled almonds, it becomes tridoshic, meaning it is balancing for all body types.  This blanching process allows the almonds to become easier to blend, easier to digest, and makes its nutrients more readily available for you.  The skins can be heating for Pitta types, gas-forming for Vata, and hard-to-digest for Kapha, so it will be essential to make this step a necessary part of the recipe.  Although the soaking takes a few hours, the peeling is actually quite simple; in fact, the hands on preparation time can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes!    

The Essential Almond Milk Recipe

Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.

• Doshic effect: Vata ↓,Pitta ↓, Kapha ↓
• Makes: 4 cups
• Prep time: 10 to 15 minutes (plus 2 to 24 hour soaking time)

Materials

• High speed blender 

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 40 almond, soaked and peeled

Directions

Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.

1. Soak the almonds overnight in a cup of water.  If time is short, soak the almonds for a minimum of 2 to 4 hours.

2. Once the almonds have been soaked thoroughly, strain them and discard the water.

3. Peel the almonds by squeezing each one with your index finger and thumb.  This should allow easy removal and should only take a few minutes altogether.

4. Place 4 cups of water and the peeled almonds into a high speed blender.

5. Blend on high for 3 to 5 minutes depending on the strength of your blender.

6. After the blending is complete, strain the milk into a glass quart jar using a fine mesh strainer, cheese cloth, or thin dish cloth to remove any excess pulp or unblended chunks.  If you are using a professional grade blender such as the Vitamix or Blendtec, this step is not necessary.

7. Store in an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.  Separation is normal upon sitting, so it is recommended to shake the jar before each use. 

Additional Tips

• Use this basic almond milk as a base to any oatmeal, smoothie, or porridge.
• Replace dairy milk in any recipe for a healthy, dairy-free alternative.
• Make delicious non-dairy Golden Milk with this recipe!.
• Vata and Pitta types  can add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, or 2 to 4 soaked dates for added sweetness.
• Kapha and Vata types can add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey for added sweetness.
• Some other great additions are vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger for added flavor and health benefits. 
• To create chocolate almond milk, add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of unsweetened coco powder (or cacao) along with dates, honey, or maple syrup.
• If you get bored with almonds, feel free to replace them with equal amounts of soaked walnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, or pecans.  Alternatively, 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, or chia seeds can be added in to the original recipe.