Make Your Own Coconut Milk in 5 Minutes Flat
Originally published by Diana Chaplin on MindBodyGreen, this is the extended version with original photos.
Everybody likes a creamy dairy alternative for snacks and smoothies, but oh the soaking and waiting that comes from making it from nuts! While I’m all about slow food, sometimes you just need something quick and easy.
Coconut is a great source of healthy fat, and trace amounts of minerals, protein and carbohydrates. In milk form, it’s a great food to help maintain blood sugar, hormonal balance and a focused mind. And you don’t even need a fresh coconut to make this recipe.
Use it in your coffee, smoothies, oatmeal, homemade fudgsicles, or just on its own. Kids LOVE it too.
The best part? You can make coconut milk in 5 minutes from just a few basic ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of coconut flakes
- 3 cups of room temperature or slightly warmed water
- 2 medjool dates, pitted OR 2-3 drops of liquid stevia
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Tools
You’ll need a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer, and a funnel.
Preparation
1. Place the coconut flakes and water in a blender, mix with a spoon, and allow it to sit for a few minutes to rehydrate the coconut, then blend for about a minute.
2. Add the dates (unless you want it sugar-free, in which case add the stevia later). Blend thoroughly.
3. Get a jar, put the funnel over it, and the nut milk bag over that. Pour the entire mixture through to strain, using a spoon to scoop out any clumps of fat that stick to the bottom of the blender. Squeeze the bag thoroughly to get as much liquid out as possible.
4. Now add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and stevia (if you went the sugar-free route). Mix it up and you’re done!
While it’s nice and fresh, why not make a smoothie?
Choconana Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of your homemade coconut milk
- 1 medium banana, cut and frozen in advance
- 1 tablespoon nut or seed butter of your choice (I use sunflower seed butter)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon hemp seeds
- ½ teaspoon raw cacao
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon maca (optional)
Preparation
Blend it all up and sprinkle some hemp seeds on top. Enjoy!