Soup is a staple comfort food that can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a light starter, soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.
But what if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant? How can you achieve that creamy texture without using dairy milk or cream? Enter oat milk.
This non-dairy milk has been gaining popularity in recent years and is now being used as a substitute for dairy milk in soups. But can you really use oat milk in soup?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using oat milk in soup and provide some tips on how to make the best oat milk soup.
Can You Use Oat Milk In Soup?
The short answer is yes, you can use oat milk in soup. In fact, oat milk is a great substitute for dairy milk or cream in soups, especially for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.
Oat milk has a creamy texture that can add richness to your soup without the need for dairy products. It also has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in your soup.
However, not all non-dairy milks are created equal. While oat milk is a great option, other non-dairy milks like almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk may not work as well in soup. Almond milk has a thin texture that is closer to water, while coconut milk and soy milk have strong flavors that may not complement the other ingredients in your soup.
What Is Oat Milk And How Does It Compare To Dairy Milk?
Oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative that is made from oats and water. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people are looking for dairy-free and vegan options. Oat milk is lactose-free, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant. It is also vegan-friendly, making it a popular choice among vegans.
When comparing oat milk to dairy milk, there are some notable differences. Oat milk contains less saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar than whole dairy milk. It also contains more fiber, which can help with digestion. However, whole dairy milk contains more protein and vitamins & minerals than oat milk.
Oat milk also differs from dairy milk in carbohydrate content. Original varieties of oat milk can have up to 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving, while dairy milk has 12 grams. Some varieties of oat milk also contain added sugar.
Compared to other non-dairy options like almond and rice milk, oat milk has more fiber and protein. However, it is also higher in calories and carbs than some other options. Oat milk has about half as much protein as cow’s milk, and the proteins it contains are incomplete.
Like many other store-bought plant milks, oat milk usually has added vitamin D and calcium to promote bone health. Riboflavin and vitamin A are also added to most brands. Iron is the only nutrient that naturally occurs in oat milk.
The Benefits Of Using Oat Milk In Soup
Using oat milk in soup has several benefits. For starters, oat milk is a great source of protein and fiber, which are essential for a healthy diet. One cup of oat milk contains around 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your soup.
Oat milk is also rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, folate, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and can help boost your immune system. Additionally, some store-bought oat milk brands are fortified with additional vitamins and nutrients like vitamin B12 and riboflavin.
Another benefit of using oat milk in soup is its creamy texture. Oat milk can add richness and creaminess to your soup without the need for dairy products like cream or butter. This makes it an excellent option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.
Finally, oat milk has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in your soup. This means that you can use it in a variety of soups without worrying about it clashing with the other flavors.
Tips For Making The Best Oat Milk Soup
If you’re planning to use oat milk in your soup, here are some tips to ensure that you make the best oat milk soup possible:
1. Choose the right type of oat milk: Oat milk comes in different varieties, including original and extra creamy. If you’re substituting oat milk for regular milk, use original. If you’re substituting for cream, use extra creamy oat milk. When adding oat milk to your soup, think about which consistency feels right for the moment.
2. Be mindful of the texture: Oat milk can thicken when heated, so be careful not to overcook it. If you’re using oat milk in a soup that requires a thicker consistency, reduce the liquid amounts. If your soup is too thick, add more liquid, either oat milk or vegetable broth.
3. Add flavor: Oat milk has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients in your soup. However, if you want to add more flavor, consider adding some granulated onion and garlic or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking.
4. Use the right cooking technique: When cooking with oat milk, it’s best to wait to stir it in until the very end to prevent separation. Steaming vegetables before adding oat milk is also recommended to ensure that they are soft enough.
5. Make your own oat milk: Homemade oat milk is easy and cheap to make. However, be mindful of over-blending and avoid pressing the oats in the strainer, as any sort of “squeezing” action seems to produce more slime.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and creamy oat milk soup that is perfect for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.
Recipes For Delicious Oat Milk Soups
Now that you know oat milk is a great option for soups, here are some delicious oat milk soup recipes to try:
1. Creamy Vegan Potato Soup: This vegan potato soup recipe uses oat milk to add creaminess without the need for dairy products. The oat milk has a neutral flavor that complements the potatoes and other vegetables in the soup. To make this soup, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add diced potatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, then blend with oat milk until smooth.
2. Broccoli Cheddar Soup: This dairy-free version of broccoli cheddar soup uses oat milk to add creaminess and nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor. To make this soup, sauté onions in olive oil, then add diced carrots and broccoli florets. Add vegetable broth and oat milk, then simmer until the vegetables are tender. Blend until smooth, then add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
3. Butternut Squash Soup: This vegan butternut squash soup recipe uses oat milk to add creaminess without the need for dairy products. To make this soup, roast butternut squash until tender, then sauté onions and garlic in olive oil. Add the roasted squash, vegetable broth, and oat milk, then blend until smooth.
By using oat milk in your soups, you can create delicious and creamy dishes without the need for dairy products. Give these recipes a try and see how easy it is to substitute oat milk in your favorite soups.
