Diversify the use of quinoa seeds by prepping some tasty quinoa milk. A quick and easy plant based recipe made using only 4 ingredients. It's simply a case of cooking the seeds then blending with water, cinnamon, vanilla and dates. You can either drink the milk neat or use in a smoothie.
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Dairy free milk is on the increase, so many people are opting for these delicious dairy free alternatives. There are so many to choose from; Almond, Cashew, Coconut, Oat, Macadamia, Quinoa milk - the list is endless.
I haven't been blessed with the opportunity of being able to sample this long list of milks, maybe in the foreseeable future I will so watch this space.
I discovered homemade quinoa milk by accident, what happened, I was in the process of looking up a recipe which contained quinoa and stumbled on quinoa milk.
At first I was apprehensive, my concerned lied with the taste - would it be disastrous? I will say that quinoa has an acquired taste - either you love it or hate it.
Is quinoa a grain or seed?
Contrary to popular belief, quinoa is NOT a grain it is actually a seed, not just any ordinary seed, it's been dubbed a superfood.
The Taste of The Milk
Of course, you are probably wondering about the taste. Well.....taste just like quinoa, only in liquid form. As this isn't what is deemed as a "true milk".
It doesn't yield that creaminess like cows milk. It's great for people who are avid fans of all things quinoa.
Another perk about this milk is that it is homemade (clue is in the name) which means it contains no additives, preservative or fillers. It is 100% plant based and natural.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Quinoa: Uncooked quinoa seeds are needs to make the actual milk.
- Dates: a few are used to yield a subtle hint of sweetness and to take the edge off the "milk".
- Cinnamon: Adds a slight hint of warm and flavour (not pictured)
- Vanilla: Is used for flavour enhancement.
- Water: To cook and break down the quinoa when turning into milk.
How To Make Quinoa Milk
- Pour the quinoa into a saucepan with the 2 cups of water.
- Cook quinoa under low-medium heat until it begins to look translucent and swells in size (should take about 15 minutes)
- Allow the quinoa to cool down completely and set aside
- Transfer the cooked quinoa into a blender with water, cinnamon, dates and vanilla.
- Blend into a smooth consistency
- Pour the liquid into a jug or desired container
- Serve accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does The Milk Last For?
Store the milk in a refrigerator and use within 5 days.
Can I Add Another Spice Aside From Cinnamon To My Milk?
Yes certainly! Try cloves, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg or even turmeric
Notes and Tips
- Make sure the quinoa is cooled down after cooking it or elsewhere you will end up with "hot milk".
- Keep the milk refrigerated in a jug at all times.
- If you are using a high speed blender i.e a vitamix, there shouldn't be a need to strain the milk.
- Use a cheesecloth, sieve or muslin cloth if needed for straining
- Any quinoa can be used to make this recipe - Red, black or white it makes no difference!
- Rinse off the quinoa thoroughly to rid any dairy prior to cooking.
Other vegan friendly milk recipes
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Homemade Quinoa Milk
Ingredients
- ½ cup of quinoa washed
- 2 cups of water
To Make the quinoa milk
- 4 cups of water
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- 4 dates
- ½ teaspoon vanilla essence or pod
Instructions
- Pour the quinoa into a saucepan with the 2 cups of water.
- Cook quinoa under low-medium heat until it begins to look translucent and swells in size (should take about 15 minutes)
- Allow the quinoa to cool down completely and set aside
- Transfer the cooked quinoa into a blender with water, cinnamon, dates and vanilla.
- Blend into a smooth consistency
- Pour the liquid into a jug or desired container
- Serve accordingly
Notes
- Make sure the quinoa is cooled down after cooking it or elsewhere you will end up with "hot milk".
- Keep the milk refrigerated in a jug at all times.
- If you are using a high speed blender i.e a vitamix, there shouldn't be a need to strain the milk.
- Use a cheesecloth, sieve or muslin cloth if needed for straining
- Any quinoa can be used to make this recipe - Red, black or white it makes no difference!
- Rinse off the quinoa thoroughly to rid any dairy prior to cooking.
So you don't strain the fiber from this recipe?
No, there's not really much excess to strain so I tend to omit this step. Unless you want to do so, I don't feel it's necessary.
Thank you for this one!