It might seem like a common vegetable drink, yet Sicilian almond milk is a prominent product of Sicilian gastronomy. Ideal to drink iced to quench your thirst during the sultry summer afternoons, almond milk is full of benefits , few calories in the sugar-free version and just as many contraindications. Let's find out everything there is to know about it.
Sicilian almond milk
Perhaps not everyone knows it, but almond milk was born in Sicily . And it would have rather ancient origins, dating back to the Christian and Muslim medieval era, well before the advance of the "fashions" of the moment in terms of vegetable drinks. The reason for its popularity in unsuspected times is due to the poor conservation of milk of animal origin, which did not last long and which ended up being used in the preparation of cheeses.
Sicilian almond milk, how to prepare it
The authentic Sicilian almond milk, the sweet one and protagonist of summer drinks and recipes, is made starting from the almond paste block . This is a typical product that can be found practically everywhere on the island, and which is essentially a mixture of water, almonds and sugar. Generally, 250 grams of it are dissolved in a liter of natural water, blending well and leaving the obtained mixture to rest for about 2 hours in the fridge. But it can also be used to prepare the classic Sicilian almond biscuits .
Homemade almond milk, recipe
Let's move on to the beginner-proof homemade almond milk recipe .
Ingredients
- 1 cup of almonds
- 5 cups of filtered water
- 1 pinch of sea salt
Preparation
- Soak the almonds in plenty of water the previous evening.
- The following day, drain them and pour them into the blender together with the water and salt.
- Blend at high speed until you get a smooth cream. Strain using a bag of nut milk or a clean dish towel.
- Transfer to a jar or bottle and refrigerate up to 4-5 days.
Obviously with the Thermomix it is even easier to make. In case you prefer to obtain a sweetened almond milk or, better, more palatable, you can combine sugar or 2 whole dates and vanilla to add directly into the blender.
READ: Almond paste, how it is used in the kitchen
Almond milk, nutritional values
Let's move on to its nutritional values . Almond milk is a vegetable drink. Naturally lactose-free, it is a good alternative to cow's milk for those who are intolerant . It is of course also gluten free . How many calories are in 100 g of almond milk?
In general, 100 ml of drink contain:
- Calories: between 25 and 70 calories (depending on whether or not it is sugary)
- Fat: 2.3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 0
The drink is an excellent source of vitamin E , an antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage. Commercially available ones are often fortified with calcium and vitamin D. However, it's not a good source of protein.
To answer one of the most popular questions, namely " how much sugar does it have?" , unsweetened almond milk is naturally low in this component. But if you buy the sugary one, the content of the latter can be really high.
Benefits of almond milk
What is almond milk good for ? Its major benefits include the already anticipated vitamin E content, and its low calorie content which makes it suitable for those who want to lose weight and those who prefer a healthy and varied diet. It doesn't cause blood sugar spikes and contains healthy fats . Drinking it regularly may benefit heart health. Furthermore, it helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and is able to regulate the intestine.
Almond milk, contraindications
Having ascertained the benefits of almond milk, the contraindications deserve a mention. Kidney stone sufferers should not consume it in excessive amounts due to its calcium oxalate content. Almond milk is not, as anticipated, rich in proteins and other nutrients that are important for one's well-being, at least if compared with that of animal origin.
How fattening is almond milk?
It is useless to ask how much it makes you fat : just like no food or drink alone does not have this power. This depends on the consumption that is made of it in one's diet. Which should still be healthy and accompanied by regular physical activity.
How to drink almond milk for breakfast?
Just like you would drink cow's milk. Like this it is versatile and practical to use in the kitchen , both in sweet and savory recipes . It is confirmed as an excellent substitute for common milk. You can drink almond milk for breakfast by pouring it into a bowl and adding cereals; staining coffee or tea; adding it to smoothies; using it as a base for porridge.
Almond milk, as used in Sicily
In Sicilian cuisine it is naturally used to make blancmange with almond milk (if you don't know it you absolutely have to fix it), to make almond granita and to prepare coffee in the morning (a very ancient recipe and perfect for breakfast). Basically it is a coffee made by putting this drink in the moka instead of water.
More generally, on the island it is customary to sip iced sweet almond milk to find relief from the heat. Naturally, there are many other recipes with almond milk.
What's the best almond milk?
What questions… The best almond milk for us is certainly the one produced in Sicily. Made with fruits from Sicilian almond groves, it has no equal. But, if you're in a store and you have to choose it for its benefits, we advise you to opt for an unsweetened, unflavored and, perhaps, fortified with calcium and vitamin D type.
If you want to be sure of buying Sicilian almond milk, the brands to prefer are Condorelli and Dais , which you can also find on SicilyAddict! As well as the typical loaf to make it yourself.
