If you’re looking for a refreshing and satisfying treat, this Creamy Strawberry Almond Milk Smoothie is just the thing. With its luscious blend of sweet strawberries and smooth almond milk, it’s a delightful way to kickstart your day or recharge in the afternoon. Whip up this easy smoothie and enjoy a burst of fruity flavor with every sip!
Steps
- Soak the almonds in filtered water for at least one hour, or ideally overnight. Once soaked, drain and rinse them thoroughly.
- Combine the soaked almonds with 3 1/4 cups of filtered water, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, strawberries, and either almond or vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into your chosen straining method, such as a large cloth tea bag, sieve, or French press. Squeeze or press to extract as much almond milk as possible, leaving behind a dry almond meal.
- Transfer the smooth strawberry almond milk into a jar and refrigerate until chilled. Enjoy your homemade milk as a refreshing drink or in various recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- Filtered water
- Sweetener: maple syrup, 1 pitted date, or drops of stevia (adjust to taste)
- Generous pinch of sea salt
- 15 ripe strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- Special equipment: large cloth tea bag, sieve, or French press
FAQ
- Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
- Yes, you can substitute strawberries with other seasonal fruits like blueberries or blackberries as per your preference.
- How should I strain the almond milk for the best results?
- If you have a high-power blender, use a large tea/infusion bag to strain the milk. For less powerful blenders, a French press is an effective alternative.
- What can I do with the leftover almond solids?
- The almond solids can be repurposed in various ways, such as adding them to muesli, granola, cookie batters, pie crusts, or crisp toppings.
- Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
- Absolutely, frozen strawberries can be used when fresh ones are not in season.
- How long should I soak the almonds before blending?
- The almonds should be soaked for at least an hour, but for best results, it’s recommended to soak them overnight.
Tips
- Choose Your Straining Method Wisely: Opt for a sturdy, large tea infusion bag or a French press for straining the almond milk, especially if you have a high-power blender. These methods minimize mess and clean-up while effectively separating the milk from the solids.
- Repurpose Almond Solids: Don’t discard the leftover almond meal after straining. It can be reused in various recipes like muesli, granola, cookie batters, pie crusts, or crisp toppings.
- Seasonal Fruit Substitutions: While strawberries are delicious, feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits like blueberries or blackberries to enjoy different flavors throughout the year.
- Use Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not available, you can substitute them with frozen ones, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful milk even out of season.
Equipment
- High-power blender
- Large cloth tea/infusion bag
- French press (as an alternative straining method)
