Have you ever considered making your own plant-based milk? I did for a long time, but I assumed it would be too complicated and time-consuming, and these assumptions kept me from trying. However, in my quest for eating cleaner, reducing waste, and living more simply overall, I finally decided to give it a go – and what a game changer! It is not only easy and practical, but so much healthier and even more delicious. Moreover, it’s another accessible way to reduce waste, and for a fraction of the cost, as you don’t have to be shopping for milk cartons: not to mention, it’s available for you any time. While there are many plant-based milk options out there, coconut milk is one of my favorites to enjoy every day; with breakfast, in tea, etc. – and, it can be prepared in minutes!
Coconut Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut flakes (organic and unsweetened)
- 4 cups of water
You will also need
- blender (any type will do)
- sealable, 4-cup glass jar (for storage)
- fine mesh sieve, nut-milk bag, or cheese cloth
Directions
- Boil the water.
- Pour the water into your glass container, and add in the coconut flakes.
- Let it cool and settle for five to 10 minutes.
- Strain with the fresh mesh sieve, nut-milk bag, or cheese cloth.
- *Optional: add sugar to taste. Coconut is sweet by nature, so you may not need to sweeten it.
- Refrigerate and use as is, or blend with extra water if it seems too creamy for your taste.
I love coconut milk with smoothies, breakfast oats, savory sauces, and soups (to name a few). But my all-time favorite thing to add coconut milk to is iced tea. Try my favorite iced tea with coconut milk recipe (you might even save yourself time and money by avoiding trips to Starbucks!):
Iced-Tea with Coconut Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 tsp of loose-leaf or 2 tea bags (*Tea of your choice)
- ¼ cup of water (to steep)
- ½ cup cold coconut milk
Directions
- Boil the water.
- Steep the tea. (*Time will depend on your choice of tea. Herbal teas need between five and six minutes, while green, black, and white teas need one to five minutes.)
- Add coconut milk and blend.
- Add as much ice as you’d like.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- *Any tea, such as loose leaf (with an infuser), portioned tea bags, or powders (i.e. matcha) can be used. I love black tea, but bolder flavors such as chai, mate, and rooibos, can be delicious as well.
- Consider adding a date or two when blending as a natural sweetener.
- Store your milk in the fridge for up to five days. As there are no emulsifiers, expect some separation to occur. Shake well before drinking.
- Coconut milk, may separate, and the fat may solidify. Once at room temperature, or shaken, it will be fine.
- Get creative! The sky’s the limit.
