Cashew milk is a great substitute for cow or soy milk and is easy to make at home using a blender. Contrary to other types of vegetable milk, it does not need to be filtered, although it is possible to do so if you want to obtain an even smoother and more homogeneous consistency. To make it, leave the raw cashews to soak overnight, then drain and blend them with the water. This homemade milk can be sweetened with honey or maple syrup, but it can also be flavored with chocolate or strawberries.
Ingrediants
Cashew Milk
- 1 cup (125 g) of raw cashews
- 4 cups (950 ml) of distilled water
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 3-6 dates without stones (optional)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) of cocoa powder (for the chocolate milk)
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon (for the cinnamon milk)
- 3 tablespoons (600 g) of fresh strawberries (for the strawberry milk)
Makes about 3 cups (700 ml)
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Make the Cashew Milk Smoothie
Step 1. Choose fresh, raw cashews for best results
Like all other types of nuts, cashews can also go rancid and this can negatively affect the final result, making the milk rancid. Look for a store that sells fresh nuts to use in making milk. The taste of the drink will also be better if you use raw cashews that have not been roasted or salted.
Store cashews in the fridge using an airtight container until you plan to use them. With this storage method, they will keep fresh for about 4 months
Step 2. If you want to make the milk even more creamy, soak 1 cup (125g) of cashews in water for at least 2 hours
To do this, place the dried fruit in a bowl or large glass jar. Then, cover it with filtered water and add a pinch of sea salt. Cover the container with a tea towel and let the dried fruit soak at room temperature for at least 2 hours. You can also keep it immersed in water overnight or up to 48 hours. Leaving it to soak longer will make the milk creamier.
- If you forget to soak the cashews before making the milk, you can also soak them in hot water for 15 minutes to soften them slightly.
- Milk can also be prepared without letting the cashews soak, but the texture won't be as creamy.
Step 3. Drain the cashews and discard the soaking water
Place a sieve or colander in the sink to pour the cashews and drain the water. Do not use the soaking water to prepare the milk. Rinse the cashews well in the colander using tap water.
Step 4. Blend the cashews with distilled water at maximum power for 1-2 minutes
Pour 4 cups (950 ml) of distilled water and 1 cup (125 g) of raw cashews into the jug of a high-powered blender. Blend everything until you get a smooth and creamy drink.
Step 5. Filter the cashew milk using cheesecloth for a smoother and more homogeneous texture
Cashew milk doesn't necessarily need to be filtered, but you can do it if you want a smoother texture. To do this, line a fine mesh colander with 2 layers of cheesecloth, then place it on a large bowl. Pour in the vegetable milk by filtering it through the colander. Grab the ends of the cheesecloth and twist it to close it. Squeeze and press the pile of pulp inside the cheesecloth to let as much milk flow into the container as possible.
- Unfiltered cashew milk tends to separate in the fridge and needs to be stirred before serving.
- Save the cashew pulp for other recipes. Freeze it in a resealable plastic bag or in the compartments of an ice cube tray and put it in smoothies to add a nutty note. You can also add it to oatmeal, cookie dough or muffin dough. Alternatively, try incorporating it into homemade granola before baking.
Step 6. Store the cashew milk in the fridge for 2-3 days using an airtight container
Cashew milk spoils very easily, so it's best to make small amounts and drink it within 2-3 days. If you used cashews without first soaking them, the milk will keep fresh for about 5 days in the fridge.
Cashew milk that has taken on a yellowish color, sour smell or slimy texture has gone bad
Method 2 of 2: Sweeten and Flavor Homemade Cashew Milk
Step 1. Make cashew milk sweeter by using vanilla extract and honey
Before blending the cashews, pour 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of honey into the blender jar. This will make the milk sweeter, without however altering its original flavor excessively.
If you prefer a vegan option, use 3-6 stone-free dates or 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of maple syrup instead of honey
Step 2. Make chocolate cashew milk if you want a refreshing alternative to hot chocolate
If you're craving sweet on a hot summer day, make cocoa-flavored cashew milk. Pour 2 tablespoons (15 g) of cocoa powder into the blender jar before blending the milk.
Step 3. Make cashew milk perfect for cold days by adding cinnamon
Pour 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground cinnamon into the blender jar along with the cashews and water. Cinnamon will give a spicy note to the milk. You will thus obtain a cold drink perfect for the autumn and winter period.
If you're craving a hot drink, use cinnamon cashew milk to make a hot, spicy cappuccino or latte
Step 4. Make some extra creamy and thick strawberry cashew milk for a special drink
Add fresh strawberries to cashew milk to make a mouthwatering drink. Simply pour 3 cups (600g) of fresh strawberries into the blender jar along with the cashews and water.
