Learn how to make Brazil nut milk from scratch using just two ingredients. It is a versatile and delicious dairy-free option that can be used in a variety of ways. Add it to your morning smoothie or coffee, pour it over your favorite cereal, or use it in recipes.
There are so many different plant-based milk options available these days, and while everyone may have their favorite, I think it’s nice to mix it up and try new things. With so many different choices out there, why not explore all your options?
As a Brazilian, I was fortunate enough to grow up with an abundance of Brazil nuts. In fact, Brazil nut milk was the first plant-based milk I ever tried. Trust me, it’s delicious! If you haven’t had the chance to try it yet, now is the perfect time to give it a go.
Making homemade Brazil nut milk is a simple process. With just three easy steps, you’ll be sipping on delicious, creamy milk in no time.
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What is Brazil nut milk
Brazil nut milk is a plant-based milk alternative made by blending soaked Brazil nuts with water and then straining the mixture. It’s a simple and natural option that’s packed with nutrients.
Brazil nuts are known for their distinctive, slightly sweet and nutty flavor, and this taste carries over to Brazil nut milk. However, the milk itself has a mild flavor that can be used in various sweet and savory dishes, as well as enjoyed on its own.
Brazil nut milk nutrition & health benefits
Brazil nut milk can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is a good source of healthy fats and essential minerals such as selenium, which is important for supporting immune function, cognitive health, and thyroid function.
Ingredient notes
You only need raw Brazil nuts to make this nut milk at home! You can also add other ingredients to make it even more flavorful. Later in this post, I’ll suggest some of them.
Brazil nuts are easily available in most grocery stores. Personally, I prefer buying them from Costco since they offer an organic option with great value for money.
How to make Brazil nut milk
There are three simple steps to make your own Brazil nut milk at home.
Step 1: Soak the Brazil nuts
The first step in making Brazil nut milk is to soak raw Brazil nuts in water for 8 hours or overnight.
Soaking the nuts is an essential step in making Brazil nut milk, and though it requires some planning, it makes the nuts softer and easier to blend. This results in a smoother, creamier milk that’s well worth the effort. Even with a high-speed blender, don’t skip this step for the best results.
Step 2: Blend soaked nuts and water
Once you’ve soaked the Brazil nuts, drain and rinse them thoroughly. Place them in a blender along with filtered water, and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, until you get a smooth and creamy mixture.
Note: If you want to experiment with different flavors, try adding some optional ingredients. You can find some ideas in the ‘Variations & Additions’ section.
Step 3: Strain the milk
After blending the mixture, place a nut milk bag over a large bowl or pitcher. Then, pour the mixture into the bag, gather the sides, and twist it to secure the top. Squeeze the bag to extract as much milk as possible.
Alternatively, you can also strain the milk using a fine mesh strainer or a cheesecloth-lined sieve. Pour the blended mixture into the strainer or sieve, and use a spoon to gently press the mixture against the cheesecloth to extract the milk.
That’s it! Your homemade Brazil nut milk is ready to be enjoyed. You can use it as a dairy-free milk substitute in recipes, smoothies, or enjoy it on its own.
Save the residue in the bag for other uses. Find some ideas in the ‘Tips & recipe notes’ section.
Note: Investing in a good quality nut milk bag is a game-changer if you’re planning on making homemade nut milks frequently. It’s a one-time purchase that can last for years (mine has been in use for 7 years now!). Plus, a good quality bag can strain the milk thoroughly, leaving no residue and resulting in a smoother texture.
Brazil nut milk from Brazil nut butter
It is also possible to use Brazil nut butter to make Brazil nut milk. Simply blend 1 tablespoon of Brazil nut butter with every cup of water, and there’s no need to strain the mixture. This is a quick and convenient option for when you’re short on time. Keep in mind that the nuts-to-water ratio will be different since Brazil nuts are not soaked before making the nut butter, and the taste will also differ as the nuts are roasted to enhance their flavor. For more details, you can check out our homemade Brazil nut butter recipe.
Recipe video
Watch how to make this recipe:
Tips & recipe notes
- You can adjust the amount of water used in the Brazil nut milk recipe to suit your preference. In my experience, a 1:4 ratio works well because it can be used in a variety of ways, such as for coffee, sauces, and smoothies. However, feel free to experiment with more or less water to get the consistency that you like best.
- For a smooth and creamy texture, it’s important to blend Brazil nut milk thoroughly. Proper blending also helps to minimize the amount of leftover residue after straining. If needed, blend the milk for a few minutes to ensure a well-combined mixture.
- It’s also important not to skip the soaking process when making Brazil nut milk. Soaking helps to soften the nuts and improve their texture, making them easier to blend.
- To make a smaller batch, you can simply use fewer Brazil nuts and water, but be sure to maintain the right ratio.
Brazil nut pulp
The leftover residue from making Brazil nut milk, known as Brazil nut pulp, has various uses. Here are some ideas:
- Incorporate it into smoothies or mix it into oatmeal, yogurt, or overnight oats to enhance the fiber content and nutritional value.
- Use as a base for creating flavorful dips and sauces such as pesto, hummus, and salad dressings.
- Combine it with other ingredients like dates, nuts, and seeds to make energy balls or bars.
To store Brazil nut pulp, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the pulp in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to 3 months.
Serving suggestions
Brazil nut milk can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas:
- Enjoy it on its own as a refreshing drink. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add sweeteners according to your liking.
- Use it as a base for smoothies or protein shakes.
- Add it to your coffee or latte for a creamy and nutty flavor.
- Pour it over your cereal or granola in the morning.
- Incorporate it into your morning oatmeal or chia pudding for added creaminess and nutrition.
- Make savory sauces to serve with pasta.
- Use it as a dairy-free alternative in baking recipes such as cookies or muffins.
Variations & additions
Adding more ingredients to your homemade nut milk is a great way to change up the taste and create new and exciting flavor combinations. Here are some ideas for adding flavors to Brazil nut milk:
- To add sweetness, you can use natural sweeteners like dates, maple syrup, or honey.
- You can also add a subtle touch of sweetness without any added sugar and enhance the flavor of Brazil nut milk by adding a dash of vanilla extract.
- For a chocolatey twist, you can add cacao powder or melted dark chocolate. Use our chocolate hazelnut milk recipe as a reference and substitute hazelnut milk with Brazil nut milk.
- Blend in some fresh fruits like bananas, berries, or mangoes to add a fruity flavor to your nut milk.
- To give your nut milk a warm and cozy flavor, try spicing it up with some cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
- For additional nutty flavors, mix things up by adding almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts to your Brazil nut milk recipe. Soak them along with the Brazil nuts and follow the same process. Just make sure to maintain the right ratio of nuts to water.
Storage tips
Brazil nut milk should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Before using the milk, give it a good shake or stir as it may separate during storage. It may also thicken slightly in the fridge, so you can add a little water and stir to reach your desired consistency.
If you are not going to consume it in time, you can freeze it. Simply divide the milk into small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays with lids. This way, you can thaw only the amount of milk needed for your next recipe. Keep in mind that freezing may affect the texture and taste, so it’s best to use the milk in smoothies or other recipes rather than drinking it straight or using it for coffee.
FAQs
Yes, Brazil nut milk can be a healthy and nutritious alternative to dairy milk and other plant-based milk alternatives. It is rich in nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals like selenium and magnesium, all of which are found in Brazil nuts. When blended with water, many of these nutrients are retained, and it’s also a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy since it’s completely dairy-free.
Brazil nuts are high in selenium, which is a mineral that is important for supporting immune function, cognitive health, and thyroid function. However, it can be toxic at high levels, so it’s important to be mindful of your intake. The amount of selenium in Brazil nut milk will depend on the ratio of nuts to water used in the recipe and the serving size. As a general guideline, it’s safe for most people to consume approximately one cup of Brazil nut milk per day when using the nut and water ratio specified in this recipe. To ensure a balanced intake of nutrients, it’s recommended to diversify your alternative milk choices, including options such as soy, cashew, almond, and hazelnut milk. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have concerns about your selenium intake or overall dietary needs.
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PrintRecipe
Homemade Brazil Nut Milk Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Learn how to make Brazil nut milk from scratch using just two ingredients. Use it in smoothies, coffee, cereal, recipes, and more!
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw Brazil nuts
- 4 cups filtered water
Instructions
- Soak the Brazil nuts in water for 8 hours, or overnight.
- Drain and rinse the soaked Brazil nuts. Add them to a blender with filtered water (the amount specified in the recipe). Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until it is smooth, creamy, and without any nut pieces.
- Place a nut milk bag over a large bowl or pitcher. Then, pour the mixture into the bag, gather the sides, and twist it to secure the top. Squeeze the bag to extract as much milk as possible.
- Transfer the Brazil nut milk to a container with a lid and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Notes
Before using the milk, give it a good shake or stir as it may separate during storage.
While a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth-lined sieve can also be used to strain the milk, a nut milk bag is highly recommended for best results. It strains the milk thoroughly, leaving no residue and resulting in a smoother texture.
If you want to experiment with different flavors, such as chocolate Brazil nut milk, try adding some optional ingredients. You can find some ideas in the ‘Variations & Additions’ section.
You can save the leftover Brazil nut pulp (residue in the bag) for other purposes. Check out the ‘Tips & recipe notes’ section for some ideas on how to use it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Soak Time: 8 hours
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Straining
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Keywords: Brazil nuts, nut milk, homemade, quick, easy, unsweetened, dairy-free, vegan
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