Milk is a constant staple in our homes, typically used as a source of nutrition and a base for several dishes. However, when dairy foods don’t quite agree with you, looking far and wide for alternatives is a common practice as well.
We’ve seen soy, oat and almond milk and tried them to suit our needs. What if we told you that there is another contender in the mix that will not only perform like high-end alternatives but is also an easy fix for your 10-minute breakfast prep? Curious enough? Allow us to introduce a relatively new plant-based option that is here to stay: millet milk.
Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. Milk from millet is creamy, wholesome and can be readily made from millet grains at home. Its flavour profile is mild and nutty, with a hint of sweetness to hold it all together. Moreover, it performs beautifully when introduced to both sweet and savoury preparations.
For many, navigating our preferences with our dietary needs can feel like a balancing act. Well, it doesn’t have to be. Since millet isn’t just one singular thing, your options to derive milk from millet are just as diverse. Amongst a sea of cereals, the ones that are used most often to extract millet milk are:
For individuals who enjoy their plant-based dairy alternative a little mild, foxtail millet milk is the perfect choice. It is light, with mild notes of sweetness. Such a delicate taste makes it well suited to beverages such as tea and coffee as well as savoury dishes.
One of the most common types of millet milk we are likely to see at supermarkets is pearl millet milk. This type of milk is known for its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavour. These attributes make it perfect for being used in smoothies, coffee preparations as well as baking.
Derived from ragi, this millet milk is nutritious just as it is tasty. It features a unique colour and an earthy, malty flavour profile. Boasting the minerals calcium and iron, finger millet milk can be incorporated into desserts like porridge, kheer and smoothies.
Another mild-flavoured milk from millets isproso grain. It is nutty and quite distinct to taste, which is why it lends its notes quite beautifully to desserts as well as homemade ice cream.
That said, apart from the taste, why should you choose to drink millet milk? For these, we may have to now dabble in the details of the nutritional potential and the millet milk benefits that contribute to your well-being.
Millet milk is an excellent alternative to a traditional glass of cow milk. It is suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivity, lactose intolerance as well as celiac disease.
Essentially, millets are plant-based sources rich in iron, magnesium, B vitamin complexes and proteins such as amino acids. All of which form essential pieces to the puzzle of maintaining sound health.
Millet milk is relatively low in fat compared to your regular cow milk. This can be beneficial for individuals who seek low-fat alternatives in their beverages.
The millet milk benefits look promising enough to give it a try. However, take into account that every individual’s nutritional needs may vary. If you are seeking to make the switch, we recommend consulting with your healthcare professional for a personalised opinion.
Never mind searching for, “how to make millet milk?” The process is as easy and simple as it gets. Learning how to make your own millet milk at home allows you to control the ingredients to ensure a beverage that suits your tastes.
For making millet milk at home, these are the ingredients you may need:
With the ingredients ready, here’s how to make millet milk at home:
Take about a cup of your selected millet and wash it thoroughly under water to remove any dirt. Do so until the water runs clear.
Transfer the rinsed millet carefully to a bowl filled with water. Allow this to soak for 4 hours or even overnight. This process helps the millets to soften and makes them easier to blend later.
Once done, drain the excess water and transfer the rinsed millet into a blender. Add in the four cups of water and blend this at a high speed for a minute or two until you get a consistency that is smooth and creamy.
If you wish to sweeten the milk of the millet, you may add in some vanilla essence and honey to the mix. Give this a good stir until well combined.
Prepare a separate bowl with a cheesecloth attached to the top and pour this mix through it. This will separate the fine millet milk from the pulp. Squeeze out the milk as much as possible and discard the millet pulp. Transfer the smooth milk from the millet into a glass bottle and store it in the refrigerator for future use.
This millet milk made at home may last you up to four to five days. Since some separation is natural, shake the bottle well before use.
The notion that one milk is better than the other is purely subjective. This decision depends on a person’s personal needs and preferences. While cow milk is more protein-forward, millet milk is a low-calorie, plant-based option for individuals who may not do well with lactose in their diet.
All in all, in the world of growing dairy-free options, millet milk stands as a viable and nutritious option. Through this journey, we have learnt how to make millet milk and the benefits it provides. It is easy to make and versatile enough to be added to your daily coffee or even porridge. What’s next is to take a chance on this humble cereal and recreate your own take on nourishing millet milk.
