As a health-conscious food blogger at Food And Meal, I’m always looking for nutritious and delicious new ingredients to experiment with in my plant-based recipes. Lately I’ve become quite enamored with hemp milk. Its creamy, nutty flavor and impressive nutritional profile have me eager to showcase it in a variety of dishes.
I first tried hemp milk on a whim during one of my routine grocery store wanders down the alternative milk aisle. I was immediately struck by its rich, indulgent texture and subtle natural sweetness. I could tell right away this was no watery pretender like so many non-dairy milks tend to be. My mind raced with ideas for ways I could incorporate it into my recipes.
Beyond being downright tasty, further research revealed to me the many health benefits of hemp milk. It’s a great source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. I’m always looking for ways to sneak extra nutrition into recipes without compromising on flavor. Hemp milk seems an ideal candidate.
Additionally, as someone who aims to tread lightly on this earth, hemp milk appeals to my eco-conscious sensibilities. Its production has less environmental impact than nut-based milks. And unlike soy or almond farming, hemp agriculture enriches soil it’s grown in rather than depleting it.
For all these reasons, I’m eager to develop recipes utilizing hemp milk and share them with my readers. Its luscious texture lends itself well to desserts, smoothies, cream sauces, and more. I can’t wait to experiment with ways to highlight its subtle grassy flavor notes in both sweet and savory dishes. Please stay tuned for an upcoming post featuring my first attempts at cooking and baking with this intriguing new ingredient!
Hemp Milk Recipe
Hemp Milk
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shelled hemp seeds
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend for 60to 90 seconds or until very smooth.
- Place a nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a large jar or pitcher andpour hemp milk through the bag, squeezing out the milk, andleaving the pulp behind.
- Store hemp milk in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Video
Notes
Chocolate Hemp Milk: You can add to the hemp milk 1⁄4 cup cacao powder or
unsweetened cocoa powder.
Dates Hemp Milk: Add 4 pitted Medjool dates, mix and stain.
Vanilla hemp milk: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Crafting Hemp Milk Using a Slow Juicer
This gentle process softens them, preparing them for the slow juicer’s embrace. Assemble the juicer with care, following the manual, and set up bowls for the anticipated hemp milk and its residual companions.
As you delicately feed the soaked hemp seeds into the humming juicer, witness the release of their creamy essence, a testament to their newfound juiciness. Slowly introduce filtered water through the juicer, ensuring no bit of goodness goes to waste. Now, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, it’s time to infuse your creation with a touch of sweetness, vanilla, or a hint of cocoa powder. Give it a tender stir, letting the flavors dance.
While the slow juicer does an admirable job, consider an extra step for a luxuriously smooth texture. Strain the hemp milk through a fine-mesh sieve or a gentle nut milk bag – a small effort for an even creamier result.
Transfer your creation into a glass bottle or jar, and let it find its place in the cool embrace of the refrigerator. Before indulging, a gentle shake ensures a harmonious blend of flavors. Allow yourself to be captivated by the rich, creamy texture as you savor each sip of your homemade hemp milk.
Cooking Tips
The first thing I love about hemp milk is its lusciously creamy texture. Unlike watery nut milks, hemp milk has a rich, indulgent mouthfeel similar to dairy. It adds beautiful body and velvety smoothness to soups, sauces, oatmeal, and more without weighing things down. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it holds up to heating without curdling or separating too. The subtle nutty hemp flavor comes through but doesn’t overpower.
I’ve had great success using hemp milk for making dairy-free Alfredo sauce, pumpkin soup, and overnight oats. Its natural creaminess means you often don’t need to add as much oil or other fats. And it gives things like smoothies, nice cream, and chia pudding a more milkshake-like thickness.
A few tips I’ve learned are to stick to plain, unsweetened varieties and avoid added gums or stabilizers. I also like to froth it into foamy lattes! But you do have to be a bit careful with acidic ingredients as hemp milk can curdle more easily.
Serving Suggestions
Start your day with a luxurious oat milk latte, or blend hemp milk into a fruit smoothie for added creaminess and nutrition. Transform your breakfast routine by incorporating hemp milk into overnight oats or using it as a dairy-free alternative in pancake batter. Elevate your miso soup with a velvety texture and subtle nutty flavor by adding a touch of hemp milk. Dive into the world of vegan delights by using hemp milk in creamy pasta sauces, creating luscious and dairy-free Alfredo masterpieces.
For a soothing experience, infuse hemp milk into your chai tea or try it in a golden milk latte with turmeric and spices for added warmth and anti-inflammatory benefits. Let hemp milk become the perfect companion to your cereal, providing a creamy and nutritious start to your day. Explore plant-based twists in your desserts by substituting hemp milk in puddings or ice creams. Additionally, enjoy a matcha latte or use hemp milk as a base for protein shakes, ensuring a creamy texture without the need for dairy. Embrace these suggestions and unleash the full potential of creamy hemp milk in your culinary adventures.
FAQs on Hemp Milk
- Is hemp milk good for you? Hemp milk is considered a nutritious option, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, essential amino acids, and vitamins. It’s a suitable choice for those with dairy or nut allergies and may contribute to a balanced diet.
- Does hemp milk taste like milk? Hemp milk has a distinct nutty flavor with a hint of earthiness. While it may not taste exactly like dairy milk, many find its unique taste appealing.
- Is hemp milk better than almond milk? The choice between hemp and almond milk depends on individual preferences and nutritional needs. Hemp milk offers a different set of nutrients, including omega fatty acids, compared to almond milk. Consider consulting with a nutritionist to determine which aligns better with your dietary requirements.
- Is hemp milk healthier than oat milk? The nutritional value of hemp milk versus oat milk varies. Hemp milk is known for its omega fatty acids, while oat milk is often praised for its fiber content. The healthiness depends on individual health goals and dietary needs.
- How long does homemade hemp milk last? Typically, your homemade hemp milk will be in its prime for about 3-5 days when stored in the refrigerator. Always give it a sniff and a taste check before using, as fresh ingredients can sometimes be unpredictable.
- Is there a noticeable taste difference between store-bought and homemade hemp milk? Absolutely! Homemade hemp milk has a fresher, creamier, and more pronounced flavor. Store-bought versions often contain preservatives or additives which can alter the natural taste and mouthfeel of the milk.
- Can I heat hemp milk? Yes, you can! However, heat it over a gentle flame and avoid bringing it to a boil. Excessive heat might affect its taste and nutrient profile.
- I noticed my hemp milk separated after a day. Is this normal? Absolutely normal! Natural hemp milk, without stabilizers or emulsifiers, will separate. Just give it a good shake before using.
- How should I store leftover hemp milk? Always store your hemp milk in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Glass containers are a great
Conclusion
I hope this post on oat milk cooking tips has inspired you to give this versatile dairy-free milk a try in your kitchen. As you can see, oat milk can be used in both sweet and savory dishes to add nutrition and creamy texture. From fluffy pancakes to rich soups and curries, the possibilities are endless.
Be sure to check out foodandmeal.com for even more great recipes using oat milk. You’ll find delicious ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. I’m always impressed with the creative ways they incorporate oat milk into meals.
The bottom line is that oat milk makes cooking easier for people with dietary restrictions. And its subtle sweet oatiness enhances so many dishes. With all the culinary potential plus health benefits like protein, fiber and vitamins, oat milk is here to stay as a kitchen staple.
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.