Latte Di Mandorla: Homemade Delicious 2 Ingredients Almond Milk
This post for the latte di mandorla almond drink recipe was initially published on the 12th of December, 2024.
If there’s something that screams Sicily to me it’s almonds and pistachios, mostly. Since we were kids, me and my cousins used to go to our grandma and make fresh latte di mandorla. Or better, we used to watch our nonna make almond milk with real almonds, not that almond syrup you can get at the shops.
The almond milk you buy at the shop has absolutely nothing on the real homemade deal! This is completely gluten free and free of any sugar and additives, so perfect to have in your coffee like almond lattes. It might not froth well, but boy does it work fantastically in an iced drink.
Amazingly enough, you can make latte di mandorla with only two ingredients and it’s not as difficult as you are led to believe! No sugar added or additives. If you have a sweet tooth, you can add a bit of syrup, sugar or a date to make it sweeter, but I love to just have the simpliest of versions.
And with Sicily being one of the biggest producer of almonds in Italy and Europe, you can find plenty of recipes that use them like the famous paste di mandorle, buccellati, cassata, marzipan ricciarelli, cantucci and more. We’re not all about pasta, but here goes.
What are the health benefits of almonds and almond milk?
Almonds are one of the most popular tree nuts and for great resons! They are nutrient rich, full of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and healthy fats. But let’s see more in depth how almonds can help you:
- High in vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese
- Contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats
- Can help lower bad cholesterol and maintain good cholesterol
- Rich in antioxidants, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
- The combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats promotes satiety, reducing overeating.
- Low in carbs, making them suitable for low-carb diets.
- Contain calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Vitamin E and antioxidants help maintain healthy skin and reduce signs of aging
- Promotes stronger, shinier hair (Healthline).
And sicilian almond milk, as a by product, is amazing for:
- Ideal for those looking to reduce calorie intake compared to dairy milk.
- Suitable for people with lactose intolerance or those following plant-based diets.
- Contains no cholesterol or saturated fat.
- Fortified versions may include omega-3 fatty acids and help with bone density (when fotified with calcium and vitamin D)
- Often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone density.
- Unsweetened versions are low in sugar, promoting better digestive health.
What ingredients do I need to make this latte di mandorla recipe?
You will only need two ingredients for this almond milk drink:
- almonds: you can use any kind of almonds you prefer in this case, depending if you like one that is sweeter or a bitter one. We used Sicilian almonds which are usually on the bitter side. Just make sure to use almonds that still have their skin on, as they are an amazing source of fibre and also have amazing properties.
- filtered water: don’t use regular tap water only because of the minerals and chemicals in there (depending on where you are based). Filtered water ensures an amazing quality, mostly as it’s just a 2 ingredient recipe.
How do I make latte di mandorla?
Making latte di mandorla by hand is an art, one of those your nonnas pass you by when you’re the right age and stuff. But in this case, in this day and age, we’ll be using the right equipment to make it easier for us.
Start by soaking the almonds for at least 8 hours in the fridge. Make sure the almonds are fully covered by water and have around a finger of water on top. Soaking will activate the almonds, which means it will start the germination process and help you with the following:
- Reduces Anti-Nutrients: Soaking breaks down phytic acid, a compound that can block your body from absorbing minerals like iron and zinc.
- Deactivates Inhibitors: It neutralizes natural enzyme inhibitors, which proponents claim makes the almonds easier to digest and less harsh on sensitive stomachs.
- Improves Texture and Taste: The process removes bitter tannins from the skin and results in a lighter, crunchier texture.
When ready, drain and rinse them. In a food blender, blend the almonds with water on low speed for 1-2 minutes and then to medium speed until white and flaky.
Use a milk bag to strain and refrigerate until use, or a cheese cloth and a strainer. Enjoy your almond milk recipe and consume it within 3 days!
How can I reuse the almond pulp leftover from making italian almond milk?
You can make so many things with the leftover pulp from making latte di mandorla, between the many:
- almond flour: you can dry the pulp in the oven for at least 60 minutes and you can reuse the pulp as almond flour, which is gluten-free and can be used for plenty of food recipes.
- granola: you can use it to add it to the mix instead of full almonds.
- protein balls: these will be an amazing way to reuse the pulp with a few ingredients and they can be so versatile!
It’s one of those things you’ll never be tired of – both the milk and the byproducts! – because it’s similar to a buy one, get one free: you can drink the milk, and eat the sweets! And if that ain’t a perk of the job, I don’t know what to tell you.
Do you have any more almond recipes?
I thought you would never ask! We have plenty of them in the works and some unmissable ones at that:
- biancomangiare: tell me who doesn’t love a quick dessert with few ingredients? This is the perfect example to use your latte di mandorla and turn it into a sweet treat!
- homemade almond cream – one of the main ingredients in this almond cream liqueur recipe and a recipe you must try because it’s so so DELICIOUS!
- amaretti sardi: might be small, but they are mighty! Crunchy on the outside and so soft inside!
- almond liqueur – a delicious drink, perfect when you host or to offer as a gift;
- granita di mandorle: the best way to enjoy authentic italian almond flavour;
- almond pistachio cookies: the best combo if you ask me! Soft and so buttery they will melt in your mouth!
- amaretti cookies: gluten-free crunchy cookies that you will have!
- swiss almond cake: the softest cake, perfect for tea and as a breakfast treat!
Can you heat up almond milk?
Yes you can indeed! While this recipe is perfect as it is and with some ice it makes a very quenching thirst summer drink, you can heat this up to make plenty of warm almond milk drinks like lattes or just with a splash for a macchiato. As it doesn’t have any preservatives, the consistency won’t be the same as the one you buy, but it will surely taste much better!
If you were to want that texture when heating up your almond milk, we do recommend using avocado oil: it will help the almond milk retain a bit of ‘fat’ and froth enough to make you a beautiful silky cappuccino.
Homemade 2 Ingredients Latte Di Mandorla
Equipment
- Food Blender
Ingredients
- 150 g almonds
- 750 ml filtered water + extra for soaking
Instructions
- Start by soaking the almonds for at least 8 hours in the fridge. Make sure the almonds are fully covered by water and have around a finger of water on top.
- When ready, drain and rinse them.
- In a food blender, blend the almonds with water on low speed for 1-2 minutes and then to medium speed until white and flaky.
- Use a milk bag to strain and refrigerate until use. *
- Enjoy your latte di mandorla and consume it within 3 days!
Notes
Hope you loved this recipe for latte di mandorla and that you will get to make it soon! Let me know in the comments how you liked it! The south of Italy and Italian almonds are just the perfect way to start the day in our opinion.
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