Creamy Safflower Rice Milk
Discover a deliciously creamy alternative to dairy with this homemade rice milk that’s both satisfying and nourishing. After experimenting with various recipes, I landed on this delightful version that enhances the natural flavors of brown rice while being sweetened to perfection. Instead of the typical olive oil that can overwhelm, I opted for a hint of safflower oil, allowing the subtle sweetness from honey to shine through. Perfect for adding to your morning coffee, smoothies, or enjoying straight from the glass, this versatile beverage is easy to prepare and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked brown rice
1 cup (cooked)
water
4 cups (divided)
sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
honey
4 tablespoons (or your preferred sweetener to taste)
safflower oil
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
1
In a pot, combine the cooked brown rice, 2 cups of water, and sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3
After simmering, remove from heat and stir in the honey while the mixture is still warm to ensure the sweetener dissolves completely.
4
Use a blender to puree the mixture on high until it reaches a smooth consistency.
5
Add the vanilla extract, safflower oil, and the remaining 2 cups of water (you can include ice in this step if you want to cool the mixture quickly). Blend again until well combined.
6
To achieve a smooth rice milk, strain the blended mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, discarding any solid rice particles.
7
Once strained, transfer the rice milk to a container and ideally refrigerate. Shake well before each use to combine.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Safflower Rice Milk?
It is a homemade, dairy-free beverage made from cooked brown rice, water, and flavorings.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses cooked brown rice for its natural flavor and nutritional benefits.
Why is safflower oil used instead of olive oil?
Safflower oil has a neutral taste that doesn't overwhelm the subtle sweetness of the rice and honey.
How do I make the rice milk creamy?
The creaminess is achieved by simmering cooked rice with water and then pureeing it in a high-speed blender.
Can I use a different sweetener than honey?
Yes, while honey is suggested, you can use your preferred sweetener like maple syrup or agave to taste.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this rice milk is a completely dairy-free alternative to cow's milk.
Is this rice milk recipe vegan?
The recipe is dairy-free; to make it strictly vegan, simply substitute the honey with a plant-based sweetener.
How much water is needed in total?
The recipe requires a total of 4 cups of water, added in two separate stages.
How long should I simmer the rice mixture?
You should let the rice, water, and salt mixture simmer for about 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When should I add the honey?
Stir in the honey while the mixture is still warm after simmering to ensure it dissolves completely.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency?
Puree the mixture on high in a blender and then strain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
When is the vanilla extract added?
Add the vanilla extract after the initial pureeing, along with the safflower oil and the remaining water.
Can I cool the milk quickly during preparation?
Yes, you can include ice in the second addition of water to cool the mixture down rapidly.
Should I strain the rice milk?
Yes, straining the blended mixture is necessary to remove solid rice particles and ensure a smooth drink.
How should I store the rice milk?
Transfer the rice milk to a container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Why must I shake the container before use?
Homemade rice milk can naturally separate over time, so shaking it well recombines the ingredients.
Can I use this rice milk in my coffee?
Absolutely, it is a delicious dairy-free addition to morning coffee.
Is this rice milk suitable for smoothies?
Yes, its creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it an excellent base for various smoothies.
How much sea salt is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, or you can adjust it to your taste.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice is recommended for its specific flavor profile and higher nutritional content.
How much cooked rice is needed for one batch?
You will need exactly 1 cup of cooked brown rice for this recipe.
What is the role of safflower oil?
A small amount of safflower oil adds richness and improves the overall mouthfeel of the milk.
Is this rice milk gluten-free?
Yes, since it is made from rice and simple additives, it is naturally gluten-free.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: cooked brown rice, water, sea salt, honey, safflower oil, and vanilla extract.
Can I skip the oil in the recipe?
You can skip it, but the oil helps create a creamier texture similar to store-bought milk.
What can I do with the leftover rice solids?
The solids can be discarded or repurposed into porridges or baked goods.
How much honey should I use?
The recipe suggests 4 tablespoons, but you can adjust this amount based on your sweetness preference.
Can I drink this rice milk straight?
Yes, it is delightful when enjoyed chilled straight from a glass.
Can I add other flavors like cinnamon?
Yes, you can customize the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg during the blending step.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients to make a larger quantity for the week.