Almond Crema with Garlic and Almond Milk
A smooth vegan almond crema sauce made with whole raw almonds, garlic, and almond milk, perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables or tacos. This general-inspired vegan ready in about 10 minutes pairs whole raw almonds, unsweetened almond milk, large, peeled garlic clove for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup whole raw almonds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 large, peeled garlic clove
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup (for soaking) water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 3/4 cup whole raw almonds in 1/4 cup water for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften, then drain and rinse.
- Step 2: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked almonds, 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 large peeled garlic clove, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp sea salt.
- Step 3: Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Step 4: If the crema is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time and blend until desired pourable consistency is reached.
- Step 5: Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Almond Crema with Garlic and Almond Milk take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Almond Crema with Garlic and Almond Milk?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole raw almonds from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Almond Crema with Garlic and Almond Milk?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Almond Crema with Garlic and Almond Milk for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Almond Crema with Garlic and Almond Milk vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
