Almond Milk Recipe

Almond Milk is a rich and nutritious drink made with soaked almonds, perfect for a protein boost during Ekadashi. For the Hare Krishna community, Almond Milk is more than just a beverage—it is a sacred offering prepared with love and devotion. This recipe aligns with dietary principles that exclude grains, onions, and garlic, making it suitable for prasadam (sanctified food offered to Krishna).

A glass of Almond Milk, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, ready to offer to Krishna.

This post explores the significance, preparation, and spiritual essence of Hare Krishna Almond Milk.

The Essence of Hare Krishna Almond Milk

Hare Krishna Almond Milk is a creamy and nourishing drink that combines the richness of almonds with the subtle sweetness of dates or honey. It is perfect for Ekadashi fasting, special occasions, or as a wholesome beverage at home. This recipe ensures Hare Krishna purity standards by using simple, natural ingredients.

Ingredients and Their Spiritual Significance

Each element of Hare Krishna Almond Milk is chosen not only for its health benefits but also for its spiritual symbolism:

  • Almonds: Represents strength and nourishment, symbolizing the nurturing aspect of Krishna.
  • Dates or Honey: Adds natural sweetness, symbolizing the sweetness of Krishna’s love.
  • Cinnamon or Cardamom: Adds a fragrant aroma, symbolizing the divine presence of Krishna.

How to Make Almond Milk

Now that you understand the spiritual significance of this drink, you’re ready to prepare it for offering.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almonds, soaked overnight
  • 3 cups water
  • 2-3 dates, pitted (or 2 tablespoons honey)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or cardamom powder
  • A pinch of rock salt (sendha namak)

Instructions

  1. Blend Almonds: Drain the soaked almonds and blend them with 3 cups of water until smooth.
  2. Strain Milk: Strain the almond mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
  3. Add Sweetener and Spices: Blend the almond milk with dates or honey, cinnamon or cardamom, and a pinch of rock salt.
  4. Serve: Pour into glasses, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

The Spiritual Practice of Making Almond Milk

For the Hare Krishna community, the act of preparing food and drinks is deeply spiritual. Every ingredient is treated with respect and reverence, and the drink is prepared with the intention of offering it to Krishna. The use of simple, natural ingredients in Almond Milk ensures that it is suitable for offering as prasadam.

When preparing Almond Milk, devotees often chant the Hare Krishna mantra or other devotional prayers. This practice helps in focusing the mind on Krishna and ensures that the drink being prepared is imbued with spiritual vibrations. The resulting Almond Milk, when added to prasadam, enhances not only its nourishing qualities but also its spiritual potency.

Last Sip

Hare Krishna Almond Milk is a rich and nutritious drink that holds a special place in Hare Krishna cuisine, especially during fasting periods like Ekadashi. Its combination of almonds and natural sweeteners makes it a wholesome and satisfying beverage. For the Hare Krishna community, Almond Milk is more than just a drink—it is a way to express devotion and love for Krishna. By preparing and offering Almond Milk with mindfulness and devotion, devotees can transform a simple drink into a sanctified offering that nourishes both the body and the soul.

Print

Almond Milk Recipe

Hare Krishna Almond Milk is a rich and nutritious beverage perfect for Ekadashi. This easy-to-make milk combines soaked almonds with dates or honey and spices to create a creamy and delicious drink.

  • Author: Chandra-Vadana Chaitanya das
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Ekadasi
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup almonds, soaked overnight
  • 3 cups water
  • 23 dates, pitted (or 2 tablespoons honey)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or cardamom powder
  • A pinch of rock salt (sendha namak)

Instructions

  1. Blend Almonds: Drain the soaked almonds and blend them with 3 cups of water until smooth.
  2. Strain Milk: Strain the almond mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
  3. Add Sweetener and Spices: Blend the almond milk with dates or honey, cinnamon or cardamom, and a pinch of rock salt.
  4. Serve: Pour into glasses, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Almond Soaking: Soaking the almonds overnight softens them, making them easier to blend and more digestible.
  • Sweetener Option: You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or fewer dates or honey, depending on your preference.
  • Straining Tip: Use a nut milk bag or a fine mesh strainer for a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Serving Suggestion: This almond milk is perfect for sipping on its own or adding to smoothies, chai, or other beverages.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Hare Krishna Maha Mantra