Milk alternatives have become more popular in recent years as more people embrace plant-based diets or seek alternatives due to lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions. But what about when you crave that certain recipe that usually contains milk?
From creamy soups to delectable desserts, here’s how to incorporate dairy alternatives in your favourite classic recipes (or variations thereof) without compromising on taste!
How to use coconut milk
Coconut milk is renowned for its rich, creamy texture and tropical flavour, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury recipes. Due to its higher fat content, coconut milk can lend a delightful richness to your dishes. One of the best ways to use coconut milk is in curries – a beautiful blend of spices that can be made with a variety of proteins or vegetables. The turmeric, coriander, ginger and chilli powder (or whatever you decide to put in yours) create a fragrant, flavourful sauce that sometimes needs to be balanced with plain yoghurt. But, luckily, coconut milk is a great alternative for this one as it adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the aromatic spices and creates a velvety, flavourful sauce that coats your veggies and protein beautifully.
Ginger and coconut milk roast chicken
Creamy vegan cauliflower risotto with maple soy mushrooms
Chocolate and peanut butter tart
How to use almond milk
A popular choice due to its mild, nutty flavour and creamy consistency, almond milk works well in a variety of recipes, including baked goods and savoury dishes. When used as a substitute for dairy milk, almond milk adds a subtle sweetness. Try some almond milk in your morning pancakes or those blueberry muffins you love so much. It’s also great in smoothies or in your morning cup of coffee. Just remember that you might need to use more almond milk than you would full-cream cow’s milk. But the real hero here? You can even use it in milk tart and chocolate cake!
Sweet potato and pecan pancakes
Gluten-free vegan chocolate cake
How to use oat milk
There are hilarious memes asking “How exactly do you milk an oat?”, but oat milk is actually made from soaked and blended oats, and has a neutral taste and creamy texture. It can be used as a substitute in various recipes, including baked goods, soups and sauces. Oat milk provides a subtle sweetness and a smooth mouthfeel, making it a reliable option for “cheesy” dishes or just adding some extra oatiness to dishes that already use oats.
Lasagne-inspired cheesy mince pasta
Oat, chickpea and cranberry choc brownies
How to use soy milk
The OG of the plant-based milk universe, soy milk has a creamy consistency and mild flavour that makes it great for various recipes from baking to sauces and beverages. Plus soy milk is an excellent source of protein, so it’s great for more savoury dishes like cauliflower “wings” or a meat-free lasagne. The top-tier winner here is the creamy vegan mushroom fettuccine alfredo – it’s so yummy and creamy, you’ll forget it’s not cow’s milk.
Cauli ”wings” with cashew sour cream dipping sauce
Creamy vegan mushroom fettuccine alfredo
Double-choc banana-bread waffles
Experimenting with milk alternatives shouldn’t be scary. In fact, it opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities, catering to various dietary preferences and needs. Whether you opt for almond milk, soy, coconut, oat or any other milk alternative, this can be a fun and interesting way to feed yourself and your family for Meat-Free Mondays, start your new plant-based diet or just try a vegan meal every now and then.