Beat the heat with cool and creamy horchata: easy recipe inside

Horchata agua fresca is a refreshing and creamy Mexican beverage that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with rice, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar, it’s a delicious and healthy alternative to sugary drinks. In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to make horchata agua fresca at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white rice
• 1 cup raw almonds
• 4 cups water, divided
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/4 cup sugar, or to taste
• Ground cinnamon, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and almonds: In a fine-mesh sieve, rinse the rice and almonds thoroughly under cold running water. This will remove any dirt or debris.

2. Soak the rice and almonds: In a large bowl, combine the rice, almonds, and 2 cups of water. Cover the bowl and let it soak overnight or for at least 4 hours.

3. Blend the mixture: Drain the soaked rice and almonds and transfer them to a blender. Add the remaining 2 cups of water, the cinnamon stick, and the sugar. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Strain the horchata: Line a large bowl with a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve. Pour the blended mixture into the lined bowl and strain it into the bowl. Discard the solids.

5. Chill the horchata: Pour the strained horchata into a pitcher or a large container. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This will allow the flavors to blend and the horchata to become cold and refreshing.

6. Serve the horchata: When ready to serve, pour the horchata into glasses over ice. Garnish with ground cinnamon, if desired.

Tips:

• For a sweeter horchata, add more sugar to taste.
• If you don’t have a blender, you can use a food processor to blend the mixture.
• You can also use other nuts, such as cashews or walnuts, in place of almonds.
• If you want a thicker horchata, add more rice to the mixture.
• Horchata agua fresca can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Fruit horchata: Add your favorite fruit, such as strawberries, mangoes, or bananas, to the blender along with the rice and almonds.
• Chocolate horchata: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the blender along with the other ingredients.
• Coffee horchata: Add a few tablespoons of brewed coffee to the blender along with the other ingredients.
• Vegan horchata: Use plant-based milk instead of water.

Health Benefits of Horchata Agua Fresca:

• Low in calories: Horchata agua fresca is a low-calorie beverage, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
• Good source of calcium: Almonds are a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Rich in antioxidants: Rice is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
• May aid digestion: The fiber in rice can help promote healthy digestion.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. However, brown rice will give the horchata a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q: How long can I store horchata agua fresca?
A: Horchata agua fresca can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze horchata agua fresca?
A: Yes, you can freeze horchata agua fresca for up to 2 months. To freeze, pour the horchata into a freezer-safe container, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. Thaw the horchata overnight in the refrigerator before serving.