Visit any cafe and you’ll spy a long row of non-dairy milk alternatives sitting on top of the counter. Soy milk, almond milk, oat milk — the list goes on! Many people were initially introduced to plant milk by a local barista and now much prefer the taste of a soy latte to a regular dairy-infused drink.
But you might be wondering, what else can I make with soy milk?
The truth of the matter is that soy milk can be used as a substitute for regular dairy milk in every set of circumstances. However, there are some recipes and dishes that the drink’s flavour and consistency are particularly suited for. Read on to discover some of the top ways that you can use soy milk.
What is soy milk?
First, what is soy milk? As the name suggests, soy milk is made from soybeans, a type of legume that is very popular in Asian cooking. To make soy milk, the beans are soaked in water and ground to make a thick paste. This product is then boiled and strained to remove any particularly large particles that remain.
Many manufacturers then opt to fortify their soy milk with additional vitamins and minerals.
One of the great things about soy milk, particularly when compared to other non-dairy alternatives, is the amount of protein it contains. All nine essential amino acids can be found in the drink. For vegans, who can struggle to get adequate protein in their diet, this makes it an excellent option.
In addition to the high protein count, soy milk is a great natural source of healthy fats. These include monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. Soy milk also contains high levels of isoflavones, which are natural substances that can reduce inflammation in the body.
When shopping for soy milk at the supermarket, you will no doubt be confronted with an incredible variety of different brands and options. To be sure of the quality, look for a soy milk product with a natural flavour (no chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry!) made by a company that uses organic soybeans.
Soy-based drinks and dishes
Now we know a little more about what soy milk is, let’s dive head-first into the types of drinks and dishes you can create using this delicious product!
Vegan ice cream
Going vegan is one of the best things you can do for the environment. But that doesn’t mean your new diet will be easy. At the beginning, you might feel like you’ve given up close to all of your favourite meals.
You’ll quickly learn that there are many ways that you can transform your most-loved dishes to suit your new vegan lifestyle. For example, soy milk can be used to create delicious, creamy ice-cream. Experiment with your favourite flavours and use whole, natural ingredients for a tasty sweet treat.
Soy milk (in) soup
While we wouldn’t recommend drinking pure soy milk broth, the drink can be used as an ingredient in many tasty soups.
Soy milk has a relatively mild taste, meaning it won’t ever be the dominant flavour in a dish. There are some traditional soup recipes that use soy (like Japanese miso soup) but you can also use it in any recipe that calls for regular dairy milk, like a creamy tomato soup.
Iced soy milk coffee
We all know that soy goes great with your morning coffee, but have you considered whipping up an iced soy milk coffee at home?
The process is very easy. Simply make a cup of regular black coffee, allow it to go cold, then add it to a blender alongside a cup of soy milk, a handful of ice and your choice of sweetener. This is one drink that goes down well on a hot summer day!
Soy breakfast banquet
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, particularly if you put together a soy milk breakfast banquet!
Soy milk can be substituted for dairy milk in all your favourite breakfast treats, from smoothies to pancakes. If you want to try something new, the Taiwanese people have long enjoyed a savory breakfast soup known as Xian Dou Jiang. This soup is made from soy milk, topped with mustard, green onion, and fried croutons.
Soy milk hot pot
Speaking of traditional dishes, soy milk has long played an important role in Japanese cuisine. A soy milk hot pot is a light, refreshing dish that is filled with delicious vegetables and fresh produce. Try combining the soup base with pork, cabbage, mushrooms, carrot, spring onion, and tofu, for a uniquely Japanese experience.
As you can see, soy milk has so many uses beyond your morning latte. Enjoy your daily dose of soy, knowing you are doing the right thing by yourself and the environment.
