August 22nd is World Plant Milk Day! In honor of this magical day, I thought I’d take the opportunity to share with you a plant milk recipe you’ll LOVE!
Have you ever gone to the grocery store and wondered to yourself, “how is plant milk made?” or better yet, “Why is plant milk so expensive?”
If so, then this recipe is going to blow your mind!
It’s SUPER easy to make and easy on your wallet too!
But, before I give you the recipe, let me tell you a little about my favorite plant-based delicacy: Oat milk!
Oat milk has been a bit underrated for quite some time.
Over the years, oat milk has been outshined by its friends almond milk, rice, and soy.
But, I have a special place in my heart for this thick and creamy dairy alternative. Primarily because the way it provides anti-inflammatory support as it nourishes and grounds vata energy is undeniable.
Ever wondered about the history of oat milk?
This unsweetened plant milk journeyed onto the scene way back in the ’90s. Yet, it’s only been in the last 5-7 years or so that it’s genuinely gained popularity in the western world.
It’s far more ethically sourced than almond or coconut and has often personally been my go-to plant milk due to the rich and creamy consistency that it adds to both my hot drinks and summer smoothies!
Boy does oat milk taste good!
However, its delicious flavor and texture are only surface-level reasons why it’s my favorite plant milk to grab in the market.
Here are a few other benefits of oat milk:
- Oat milk is lactose, soy, and nut-free, making it mostly allergy safe.
- According to First For Women [2], the B and B12 vitamins in oat milk are great for your hair and skin.
- It can support a healthy heart and healthy bones.
- If you’re vata dominant, then oat milk is the best plant-based milk for your dosha.
- Oat milk is a great dairy alternative for your morning smoothie.
- There is 25-63% less fat in plant milk vs. cow milk.
Something else I bet you didn’t know is that it’s also good for the planet! In comparison to its counterparts, oat milk is much more environmentally friendly.
According to The Cornell Daily Sun [1], “To produce one pound of oats, it takes one-sixth the amount of water and resources needed to produce one pound of almonds. Furthermore, oats also use 80% less land to grow than dairy milk.”
What’s also impressive is that there are far fewer greenhouse gases emitted in the production of oat milk vs. almond milk, dairy milk, and soy.
Not only are you preserving water by adding it to your cup, but you’re also keeping the air clean and fresh!
But, enough of me and my raving about the benefits of oat milk, it’s time for you to give making it a try!
This is truly one of my FAVORITE plant-based recipes. Check it out below!
Talya’s Favorite Oat Milk
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Yield: About 6 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes, plus overnight soak time
1 cup whole, rolled oats
10 cups water, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of good quality mineral-rich salt
- Soak the oats overnight in 4 cups water – covered and at room temperature.
- Put the oats in a nut milk bag or fine-mesh strainer to drain and rinse.
- Transfer the soaked oats to a high-speed blender. Add the remaining 6 cups of water and process on high speed for one minute.
- Use a large mixing bowl to catch the oat milk as you strain it through a nut milk bag or double-folded cheesecloth. Be sure to squeeze out as much of the milk as you can!
- Transfer the milk to a large jar or pitcher. Add the vanilla and salt. Talya’s Favorite Oat Milk will keep for 5 days in the refrigerator.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tip: Talya’s Favorite Oat Milk is an amazing, anti-inflammatory tonic any time of day, but especially in the evening. Not only does it shine as a simple after-dinner dessert, but it can also help you sleep soundly and replenish your ojas (innate vitality) after sexual intimacy or a hard day of work. Gently heat the milk over low heat and add ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of saffron before drinking.
Make It Last Longer Tip: You can set aside the discarded oats to make a second batch of milk. It will be lighter and not quite as thick, but you can always combine it with the first batch and meet the richness somewhere in the middle. Just repeat the same steps as above, only this time, use only 4 cups of water in the blender.
Alternative Plant Milk Options
Are you worried about your gluten allergy? Don’t worry! You can make this recipe with gluten-free oats or use nuts and seeds as well!
Gluten-safe alternatives include:
Almond
Cashew
Hemp Seed
Sesame Seed
If you’re absolutely in love with the nourishment you receive from this plant milk recipe, then you should know that this is precisely the kind of nourishment we’ll be swimming in with my upcoming 7-day summer cleanse! Curious? Click here to learn more!
