Oat Milk: What is it?
What is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative made from oats and water, and does not contain lactose. This makes it a good choice for people who are lactose intolerant or dairy-free. Oat milk is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and potassium. Its creamy and slightly sweet flavor makes it a great ingredient to incorporate in your kitchen.
How is oat milk made?
It may seem complicated at first, but making oat milk is simpler than you’d think. Oat milk is made by blending oats and water together, then straining the mixture to remove the solids. The oats can be blended with either rolled oats or steel-cut oats. To make oat milk, the oats are first soaked in water for several hours or overnight. This helps to soften the oats and make them easier to blend. The oats and water are then blended together until smooth. The mixture is then strained through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to remove the solids. The remaining liquid is oat milk.
Here’s a recipe to make fresh oat milk for your oat milk matcha latte:
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 cups water
- A blender
- A cheesecloth or nut milk bag
Instructions
- Soak the oats in the water for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This will help to soften the oats and make them easier to blend.
- Drain the oats and add them to the blender.
- Blend the oats and water until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to remove the solids.
- Enjoy your homemade oat milk!
How to Use Oat Milk
Oat milk is most commonly used as a milk alternative. However, when cooking, it’s important to recognize the unique flavor and texture of your ingredients. Oat milk is creamier than other milk alternatives and has a slightly sweet, oat-like taste. For example, the unique flavor of oat milk tastes delightful with the flavors of fall, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. This means oat milk can both replace milk for those that are lactose intolerant, and still shines on its own. Consider adding oat milk into your recipes for an oat-y twist. Oat milk can be used in coffee and tea, smoothies, baked goods, soups and stews, sauces, and more! Oat milk can even be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing beverage—you can even add a pinch of cinnamon or honey to spice it up.
Oat milk pairs exceedingly well with matcha. From oat milk matcha lattes to matcha overnight oats, oat milk and match seem like a match made in heaven. Take a look at a few of the recipes below to spark your imagination on how to combine these delicious and nutritious ingredients.
Oat milk matcha latte: This is a classic and delicious way to enjoy matcha. Simply combine 1 cup of hot oat milk, 1 teaspoon of matcha powder, and a sweetener to taste in a blender and blend until smooth. Matchako’s oat milk matcha lattes are a healthy on-the-go alternative to making this at home.
Matcha chia pudding: This is a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack. Combine 1 cup of chia seeds, 1 cup of oat milk, 1 teaspoon of matcha powder, and a sweetener to taste in a bowl. Stir until well combined, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
Matcha pancakes: These pancakes are light and fluffy, and they have a subtle matcha flavor. Combine 1 cup of oat flour, 1 teaspoon of matcha powder, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Whisk until well combined, then stir in 1 cup of oat milk until the batter is smooth. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, then add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Matcha overnight oats: This is a quick and easy breakfast that is also healthy and satisfying. Combine 1/2 cup of oat milk, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of matcha powder, and a sweetener to taste in a jar. Stir until well combined, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
Matcha smoothie: This smoothie is a delicious and refreshing way to start your day. Combine 1 cup of oat milk, 1 banana, 1 cup of frozen berries, 1 teaspoon of matcha powder, and a sweetener to taste in a blender and blend until smooth.
Matchako’s oat milk matcha latte contains oat milk, matcha powder, and a hint of maple syrup. If you want a quicker alternative to any of the recipes above, you can use Matchako’s oat milk matcha latte as a ready-to-go drink, no mixing required.
Oat milk is a delicious and versatile beverage. While it may be time consuming to make at home, the process itself is rather simple. So, consider incorporating oat milk into your diet, and try it out in an oat milk matcha latte!