Healthy Mexican Horchata
Horchata, a traditional Mexican beverage made from rice, cinnamon, and sweeteners, is a refreshing and delicious treat that is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe for healthy Mexican horchata uses pitted Medjool dates and honey to sweeten it, making it a healthier alternative to the traditional version that uses sugar.
Horchata originated in Valencia, Spain, and was brought to Mexico by Spanish colonizers. Its history is rich in culture and tradition, it was originally made with tiger nuts, a small root vegetable, but over time it became more popular to make it with rice, which is now the more common ingredient.
Why Horchata is so Healthy
Medjool dates are a natural sweetener that is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. They also provide a good source of dietary fiber and are a natural energy booster.
Honey is also a natural sweetener that is rich in antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties. It is also a natural energy booster and is known to help soothe sore throats and improve digestion.
Cinnamon is a spice that is high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve brain function.
Almond milk is a plant-based milk that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is also a good source of protein and is a great alternative for those who are lactose intolerant.
So you see, this recipe for healthy Mexican horchata not only provides a delicious and refreshing treat, but it also offers a variety of health benefits. With this recipe, you can enjoy a traditional Mexican beverage while also taking care of your health. Give it a try and experience the delicious taste and health benefits of homemade horchata.
Healthy Mexican Horchata Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and thoroughly drained
- 1 small organic cinnamon stick
- 6 cups water, divided
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 2-3 tablespoons honey, preferably local
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup raw almonds
Optional garnish:
- 4 long cinnamon sticks
- Ground cinnamon
Notes and Substitutions
If you don’t have Medjool dates, you can substitute with any other type of dates or use maple syrup or agave nectar as a sweetener instead.
If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, you can use ground cinnamon instead.
Almond milk can be substituted with any other type of milk such as cow’s milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
This recipe can be easily adapted to be vegan by using plant-based milk and agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey.
Horchata can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving as the ingredients may separate.
If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can adjust the amount of honey or dates to your liking.
Healthy Mexican Horchata
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed and thoroughly drained
- 1 small organic cinnamon stick
- 6 cups water divided
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup Medjool dates pitted
- 2-3 tablespoons honey preferably local
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup raw almonds
- Optional garnish:
- 4 long cinnamon sticks
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add rice, organic cinnamon stick, and 4 cups of very warm water to a medium-sized bowl. Let soak overnight at room temperature, or until the rice softens and the cinnamon stick is soft enough to break into several smaller pieces.
- Transfer the rice mixture to a high-powered blender and blend to combine. Add 2 cups cold water, almond milk, dates, 2 tablespoons honey, vanilla extract, and almonds. Blend until thoroughly combined and no large solids remain. Taste and add additional honey, if desired.
- Strain contents of blender with a fine-weave mesh strainer and 1-2 layers of cheesecloth. When finished, discard remaining solids in the strainer and transfer the reserved liquid to a pitcher or other container.
- Refrigerate until chilled, or serve immediately over ice with whole cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, for garnish. Enjoy!
