How To Make Horchata At Home (Dairy Free!) from www.healthy-delicious.com
Introduction
Horchata is a refreshing and delicious drink that originates from Latin America. It is made from rice, sugar, and cinnamon, and it is the perfect beverage for a hot summer day. Horchata is also a great alternative to dairy-based drinks for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. In this article, we will teach you how to make horchata at home.
Ingredients
To make horchata, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup of long-grain white rice
5 cups of water
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (optional)
Rice
The type of rice you use is important. It is best to use long-grain white rice, but if you cannot find it, you can use any type of white rice. Do not use brown rice as it will change the flavor of the horchata.
Water
Use filtered water or bottled water. Tap water may have a chlorine taste which can affect the flavor of the horchata.
Cinnamon stick
Use a whole cinnamon stick, not ground cinnamon. The cinnamon stick will add a subtle flavor to the horchata.
Sugar
Use granulated sugar to sweeten the horchata. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
Vanilla extract
The vanilla extract will add a delicious flavor to the horchata.
Unsweetened almond milk
This is an optional ingredient. If you want a creamier horchata, you can add unsweetened almond milk. You can also use regular milk, but it will make the horchata dairy-based.
Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the rice
Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove any excess starch from the rice.
Step 2: Soak the rice
Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Soak the rice for at least 6 hours or overnight. This will soften the rice and make it easier to blend.
Step 3: Blend the rice
Drain the rice and place it in a blender with 2 cups of water. Blend the rice until it is finely ground.
Step 4: Add the cinnamon stick
Add the ground rice, cinnamon stick, and 3 cups of water to a large pitcher. Stir the mixture well.
Step 5: Let the mixture sit
Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap and let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Strain the mixture
Once the mixture has sat for at least 2 hours, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Squeeze the mixture to get all the liquid out.
Step 7: Add the sugar and vanilla extract
Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the strained mixture. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 8: Chill the horchata
Refrigerate the horchata for at least 2 hours or until it is cold.
Step 9: Serve the horchata
Serve the horchata over ice and enjoy!
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for one serving of horchata (8 ounces):
Calories: 150
Total fat: 1.5g
Saturated fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 15mg
Total carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Horchata is a delicious and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make this refreshing beverage at home. Whether you enjoy it on a hot summer day or as a dessert after dinner, horchata is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.