Milk is a famous fridge staple, it is rich with essential nutrients for a person’s development, including bone density, and its natural properties make it perfect for many recipes involving desserts or pastries. Unfortunately though, for some people, dairy can cause heavy discomfort once consumed, therefore making it impossible to enjoy.
It can be difficult to find alternatives when preparing dishes or meals that contain dairy, but nowadays there are plenty of substitutes that can be used in these recipes that are also ideal for vegans or lactose intolerant people.
Oat milk, almond milk and soy milk are just a few options to counter lactose intolerance, but rice milk stands out because it is safe for those allergic to nuts and soy. Even though you can buy it at a grocery store, a great benefit of this substitute is that you can make it at home with just the simplest ingredients. Here is what you need:
- ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice.You can use the enriched type to ensure a more nutritive milk:https://carolinarice.com/products/white-rice/. Consider the calcium in enriched rice milk helps with bone strength and density.
- 6 cups of water. Tip: You can use 3 or 4 cups instead for a creamier milk.
- 1 pinch of salt.
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
For extra flavor and sweetness, you can add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or cinnamon, although rice milk tends to be sweeter than other non-dairy milks. Also, if you wish to make it more fun, you can mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to make chocolate milk. You can drink hot or cold, however once you heat to consume or prepare in a recipe, it’s best to use the whole amount and not store in the fridge again.
How to prepare rice milk
Keep in mind for any homemade milk, you need to dedicate it time to achieve the best result. This will also give you control of the ingredients used for a natural outcome.
- Pour 2 cups of hot water in a container and soak the rice for 2 hours. The rice should come out soft, meaning you could snap a grain without much effort.
- Drain with a cheesecloth (if available, but you can use a mesh colander too).
- Throw the softened rice in a blender, pour the other 4 cups of water in and blend to high-speed.
- Add the vanilla and salt and blend again. Continue for about 1 minute until the mix is well combined.
- Take a small scoop to try texture and sweetness and make sure it is up to your taste.
- You can strain again to get rid of the pulp and keep just the milk.
- Once done transfer to a sealed container and keep refrigerated.
Another preparation for rice milk is by cooking the rice, letting it cool and blend with water.
If you are pro-zero-waste, you can keep the pulp and use it in desserts recipes later.
Homemade rice milk is gluten-free
Be mindful that rice milk contains more carbs compared to other non-dairy alternatives, so diabetic might be better choosing another option. If you choose to buy rice milk instead of making it on your own, take note that store-bought may contain additives to aid consistency and durability.
Make note to read the nutrition label to make sure there are no gluten ingredients added. Store-bought rice milk brings other benefits like fortified elements, much like regular milk.
Rice milk can be kept up to 5 days in the fridge
You can it use for:
- Homemade ice cream.
- Milkshakes.
- Drink with your favorite cereal or granola.
- As a fresh beverage with cinnamon.
- In your coffee – although rice milk is thin and will bring out the coffee taste more, if you are looking for a creamier coffee then it might not be the best option.
- Oatmeal.
- Gravy.
- So many desserts! Puddings, brownies, muffins, cupcakes and more.
Ultimately, each non-dairy milk has its cons and pros, but finding the one that works best for you will definitely improve your recipes and lifestyle. We highly suggest rice milk due to its health benefits, adaptability and similarity to original dairy milk, multiple uses and great taste. Feel free to prepare your own at home and get creative with your personal tweaks to the recipe.
