Quick & Easy Homemade Pea Milk: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, & Gluten-Free Plant Milk Recipe

hace 3 semanas

Quick & Easy Homemade Pea Milk: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, & Gluten-Free Plant Milk Recipe

Are you searching for a delicious and sustainable alternative to traditional dairy milk? Perhaps you need a versatile plant-based milk that's free from nuts, soy, and gluten, performing wonderfully in both sweet and savory dishes? Look no further than this surprisingly simple homemade pea milk!

Many often limit their perception of plant-based milks to common options like almonds or oats. However, as abillion user @welovenature enthusiastically points out, "plant-based milks can be created by almost anything lol." This often-overlooked #pea based milk is incredibly adaptable and has earned a "10/10" rating for its flavor and texture, proving that unique ingredients can yield truly exceptional results. This recipe is perfect for anyone eager to explore new vegan ingredients, reduce their environmental footprint, or simply enjoy a fresh, homemade dairy-free option that's both ethical and functional.

What Can You Use Homemade Pea Milk For?

The true beauty of homemade pea milk lies in its impressive adaptability. While some plant milks have specific characteristics that make them better suited for certain uses, pea milk shines across a wide range of culinary applications. For instance, @welovenature successfully used it for:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Achieve that rich, smooth texture without any dairy whatsoever.
Overnight Porridge: Create a wholesome and hearty breakfast base that's naturally creamy.

It's truly a game-changer for your plant-based cooking and baking needs!

Why Make Your Own Pea Milk?

Beyond its delightful taste, making your own pea milk offers several compelling advantages for your kitchen and the planet:

Ethical Choice: Choosing homemade pea milk supports a cruelty-free lifestyle by opting out of animal agriculture.
Environmentally Friendly: Yellow peas often require fewer resources like water compared to traditional dairy and some other popular plant milks, making it a more sustainable option.
Flavor & Texture Control: Customize your milk to your exact preference – whether you desire it richer, thinner, or subtly flavored with sweeteners or spices.
Cost-Effective: Producing your own plant milk at home can be significantly more budget-friendly than consistently purchasing specialty plant milks from the store.
Allergy-Friendly: This is a fantastic and safe option for individuals with common allergies to nuts or soy.

Pea Milk Ingredients

A vibrant flat lay of dried yellow peas, filtered water, a blender, and a nut milk bag – all the essentials for your homemade pea milk journey.

Ingredients

1 cup dried yellow peas (or split peas)
4 cups filtered water (plus more for soaking)
Pinch of Himalayan salt (optional, for flavor enhancement)
1-2 Dates or 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, for natural sweetness)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for aromatic flavor)

Equipment

Large bowl for soaking
Blender (high-speed recommended for best results)
Nut milk bag, fine-mesh sieve, or cheesecloth for straining
Airtight container or bottle for storage

Instructions

Soak the Peas: Begin by rinsing your dried yellow peas thoroughly under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and generously cover them with filtered water, ensuring at least 2-3 inches of water above the peas. Allow them to soak for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This crucial step softens the peas, making them much easier to blend into a smooth milk.
Drain and Rinse: Once soaked, carefully drain all the water from the peas. Rinse the peas well under cold running water. Discard the soaking water completely.
Blend: Transfer the soaked and rinsed peas to your high-speed blender. Add 4 cups of fresh filtered water. If you prefer a flavored milk, now is the time to add a pinch of Himalayan salt, the dates or maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Blend Until Smooth: Secure the blender lid and blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes. Continue blending until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. A longer blending time will result in a creamier, richer milk.
Strain: Place your chosen straining tool—a nut milk bag, a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth, or simply cheesecloth—over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the blended pea mixture into the bag or sieve.
Extract the Milk: If using a nut milk bag, squeeze it firmly to extract all the liquid. For a sieve and cheesecloth, use a spoon or spatula to press down and push the milk through. The goal is to separate as much liquid as possible from the leftover pea pulp.
Store: Pour your freshly made pea milk into an airtight container or bottle. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Remember to give it a good shake before each use, as natural separation can occur.

Variations & Adaptations

Sweetened vs. Unsweetened: Easily adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of dates or maple syrup. For a neutral milk perfect for savory applications, omit sweeteners entirely.
Flavored Pea Milk: Get creative! Add a dash of cinnamon, a hint of cocoa powder, or extra drops of vanilla extract to create delicious flavored pea milk for smoothies or coffee.
Creaminess Level: Achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker, richer milk, use slightly less water (e.g., 3.5 cups). For a lighter milk, add a bit more (e.g., 4.5 cups).
Coffee Friendly: Some homemade plant milks can curdle in hot coffee. To help prevent this with pea milk, try warming your coffee cup first or add the milk slowly while stirring. The unsweetened version often performs best in coffee.

Tips & Hacks

Don't Waste the Pulp: The leftover pea pulp is a hidden gem! Don't discard it. Instead, mix it into baked goods like muffins or crackers for added fiber and protein, incorporate it into veggie burgers, or even use it as a base for savory spreads.
Optimal Straining: For the absolute smoothest milk, invest in a good quality nut milk bag. It will provide the best results for thorough straining.
Shake Before Use: Natural separation is common in homemade plant milks. Always give your pea milk a good shake before pouring to ensure an even and creamy consistency every time.

Try this simple recipe and elevate your plant-based kitchen with delicious, homemade pea milk! We'd love to see how you use it – share your creations on abillion!