Homemade Plant-Based Milk Kefir
This easy, probiotic-rich kefir is made with homemade plant-based milk using either oats or almonds. It’s a great dairy-free alternative packed with beneficial bacteria to support gut health, improve digestion, and boost immunity. Kefir may also help with promoting skin health and enhancing nutrient absorption. We made our plant-based milk in the Namawell M1, which makes it super creamy and effortless, even without soaking the almonds. It’s a simple way to add a nourishing, probiotic boost to your daily routine!
Takes 1 day 10 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
For the Plant-Based Milk
- 100 g 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 litre 4 cups filtered water
- Pinch of salt optional, enhances flavour
- 3 pitted date optional, for sweetness
For the Kefir
- 15 g 1 tbsp active water kefir grains
- 15 g 1 tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar (optional, helps feed the culture)
- 1 dried organic date
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Thanks to the NamaWell M1, there's no need to soak the almonds, and it makes the milk super creamy and effortless to prepare.
- Blend: Add the almonds, dates, pinch salt and water, to your NamaWell M1 milk maker and make your fresh almond milk - it's so creamy!
- Add the Kefir Grains: Pour 1 litre (4 cups) of the homemade almond milk into a clean glass jar and add the water kefir grains along with 1 tbsp of maple syrup and 1 ideally organic pitted date.
- Mix & Cover: Stir gently with a wooden or plastic spoon (avoid metal as it can interfere with fermentation). Cover with a breathable cloth or lid that allows airflow.
- Fermentation: Leave the jar at room temperature (20-25°C) for 12-24 hours. The kefir will thicken slightly and develop a tangy taste. The longer it ferments, the tangier it will become.
- Strain & Store: Once it reaches the desired tanginess, strain out the water kefir grains using a non-metal strainer and transfer the kefir to a clean bottle. Store in the fridge.
- Reusing Grains: Rinse the grains gently in filtered water and store them in sugar water when not in use. To make a new batch, add them to fresh almond milk with a small amount of sugar.
- Enjoy! Use in smoothies, drink plain, or mix with fruit and granola for a delicious probiotic boost!
Notes
Tips:
- Water kefir grains thrive on sugar, so adding a little maple syrup or coconut sugar helps keep them active.
- Save leftover almond pulp from the M1 Milk Maker for baking, smoothies, or making almond flour.