Are you a fan of oat milk but tired of buying it from the store?
Why not try making your own at home? Not only is it easy and cost-effective, but you can also customize it to your liking.
However, one common concern with homemade oat milk is whether or not it can be heated without turning into a thick, goopy mess.
In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks on how to make oat milk that you can heat up without any issues.
So grab your oats and let’s get started!
How To Make Oat Milk You Can Heat?
To make oat milk that you can heat up, you’ll need a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 4 cups water
– Optional sweeteners (such as vanilla extract, dates, or maple syrup)
– A high-speed blender
– A fine mesh strainer or clean t-shirt/towel
– A sealed container for storage
To begin, add the rolled oats and water to your blender and blend on high for 30-45 seconds. If you want to add any sweeteners, now is the time to do so.
Next, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or a clean t-shirt/towel. Avoid using nut milk bags as they tend to let too much pulp through.
Once strained, transfer the oat milk to a sealed container and store it in the fridge.
Now, when it comes to heating up your oat milk, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, avoid boiling it. When oat milk boils, the mucilage is activated and the milk will thicken significantly, losing its liquid texture and becoming more like a cream or bechamel sauce.
Instead, heat up your oat milk over medium heat and stir it well to prevent the fiber from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t reheat oat milk once it’s been heated already. This can encourage bacteria growth or make it taste bad.
Why Make Your Own Oat Milk?
There are several reasons why you might want to make your own oat milk. First and foremost, it’s a great alternative to dairy milk for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. Oat milk is also a more sustainable option compared to other non-dairy milks, as oats require less water to grow than almonds or soybeans.
Making your own oat milk also allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any additives or preservatives that may be present in store-bought options. Additionally, you can customize the sweetness and flavor to your liking by adding in vanilla extract, dates, or maple syrup.
Finally, making your own oat milk can save you money in the long run. While store-bought options can be expensive, a batch of homemade oat milk can be made for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can use the leftover oat pulp in other recipes, reducing waste and maximizing efficiency in the kitchen.
The Problem With Heating Homemade Oat Milk
While homemade oat milk is a great alternative to dairy milk, it can be tricky to heat up without running into some problems. When heated, the starches in the oats thicken, making the milk slimy and difficult to work with. This can be especially problematic if you’re using oat milk as a creamer or in a latte.
To avoid this issue, it’s best to keep your oat milk cold before heating it up. You can achieve this by using cold water when making your oat milk, adding ice to the mixture, or refrigerating it before use.
When heating up your oat milk, it’s important to avoid boiling it. Boiling activates the mucilage in the oats, which causes the milk to thicken significantly and lose its liquid texture. Instead, heat your oat milk over medium heat and stir it well to prevent the fiber from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
It’s also important to note that you should not reheat oat milk once it’s already been heated. Doing so can encourage bacteria growth or make the milk taste bad.
If you’re looking for a thicker oat milk, you can use less water when making it. However, be aware that this thicker version can turn into a strange paste when heated up, so it’s best used in tea or coffee rather than as a creamer or in a latte.
Tips For Storing And Using Your Homemade Oat Milk
Congratulations on making your own oat milk! Now that you have this delicious and nutritious beverage, you may be wondering how to store and use it. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your homemade oat milk:
1. Store it properly: Oat milk can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Be sure to store it in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing any odors or flavors from other foods in the fridge.
2. Shake well before using: Oat milk tends to separate when stored, so be sure to give it a good shake before using it.
3. Use it in recipes: Oat milk can be used in place of dairy milk in many recipes, including smoothies, baked goods, and sauces. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with many different ingredients.
4. Heat it up: As mentioned earlier, oat milk should not be boiled. However, you can heat it up gently over medium heat and use it as a dairy-free alternative in hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate.
5. Freeze it: If you have leftover oat milk that you won’t be using within five days, consider freezing it. Oat milk freezes well and can be thawed in the fridge overnight before using.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your homemade oat milk to the fullest!
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Oat Milk!
Homemade oat milk is a delicious and nutritious alternative to dairy milk. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also much cheaper than buying store-bought oat milk. Plus, you can customize the flavor to your liking with different sweeteners and spices.
When making oat milk that you can heat up, it’s important to avoid boiling it and to heat it up over medium heat while stirring regularly. This will help maintain its liquid texture and prevent the fiber from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Once you’ve made your oat milk, store it in a sealed container in the fridge and use it within a week. You can use it in coffee, tea, smoothies, baking, or just enjoy it on its own.
Experiment with different ratios of oats to water to find the creaminess that you prefer. And don’t be afraid to add some sweetness or spice to enhance the flavor.
