We were challenged by a community member across the globe to make tiger nut milk in our PURE Juicer (we were happy to oblige). After tasting this delicious, protein-packed concoction, we knew we had to come up with a perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe to pair with it. Learn how to make tiger nut milk and tiger nut chocolate chip cookies with your juicer.
In Nigeria, it’s known as kunnu aya. In Spain, as the popular horchata de chufa. Here in the PURE test kitchen, we know it as tiger nut milk, a fitting name for a delicious, protein-packed, dairy-free beverage that has left us purring ever since we tried our first sip.
Would a tiger nut by any other name taste so nutty?
What is a tiger nut?
Earth almonds, chufa, yellow nutsedge–there are so many names for the chickpea-sized tiger nut, which has a sweet, nutty flavor that can be comparable to coconut, almonds, or walnuts.
Yet just like the tiger nut is not a pea, chick, nor tiger, the tiger nut is not, actually, a nut. Tiger nuts are tubers, the underground organs of the yellow nutsedge plant, used to store energy in the form of starch.
Are tiger nuts good for you?
Tiger nuts, first cultivated in ancient Egypt, have been used as both food and natural medicine for centuries because of their many nutritional benefits. They’re a great source of plant-based protein, heart-healthy polysaturated fats and monounsaturated fats, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins C and E.
Full of insoluble fiber, tiger nuts are known for their prebiotic properties, meaning they aid in digestion and may also reduce blood sugar levels. Some research also links tiger nuts to better blood circulation and a lowered risk of heart disease.
The medicinal properties of tiger nuts
Can tiger nuts work magic?
Tiger nuts were so beloved by ancient Egyptians that remnants of the tubers have been found entombed with the mummified remains of high-ranking officials. From the records left from antiquity, historians have gleaned that Egyptian medicine was made up of a combination of religious beliefs and natural medicines often made with vegetables and herbs.
From recent scientific research, we know that the health benefits of consuming tiger nuts are among the many varied benefits of eating a diet rich in whole foods. Yet the folklore around tiger nuts seems to go a step further, claiming that tiger nut milk can be used as an aphrodisiac.
Magic or medicine, we’ll take it.
Is tiger nut milk a healthy dairy-free milk?
Yes! Making tigernut milk is much like making other nut milks, and in its most simple form, only requires two ingredients: tiger nuts and filtered water. You simply soak the tiger nuts in water, blend the mixture, and strain.
Dairy free, vegan, keto and Paleo friendly, tiger nut milk makes a healthy milk alternative, especially if you are using a juicer like the PURE Juicer to press the tiger nuts to maintain their nutrients.
Learn how to make almond milk with the PURE Juicer
What does tiger nut milk taste like?
Along the spectrum of dairy-free milk alternatives, tiger nut milk sits on the creamier side. Think closer to oat milk than almond milk (though to make super creamy homemade almond milk, we’ve got tips right here).
Tiger Nut Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups (16 ounces) of tiger nuts
- 4 cups of filtered water
- 1 tsp of vanilla (optional)
Yield: 30 ounces of milk
Directions
Soak tiger nuts in 2 cups of hot water, 20 minutes to an hour.
Drain the hot water.
Add new filtered water and blend with a blender on high. Alternately, run tiger nuts and water through the PURE Juicer grinder using a #4 grid. (Note: for best results, run the soaked tiger nuts through the PURE grinder twice.)
Strain the tiger nut milk.
Pour the strained milk into a pitcher (Note: we like to strain the milk once more while pouring it into the pitcher.)
Wrap 1 cup (maximum 1.5 cup) of mash into a cloth or bag and press slowly.
Store in a glass jar, filled to the top.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stored in the freezer, your tiger nut milk will last for a whole month!
Tiger Nut Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Gluten free. Nut free. Vegan.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of ground flax
- 5 tbsp of warm water
- 1 15.5 oz can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cup gluten-free flour
- ½ cup tiger nut pulp
- ½ cup old fashioned oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 small bag of chocolate chips (vegan or non-vegan)
How to Make Tiger Nut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line one large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the ground flax with warm water and let sit for 2-5 minutes.
Grind chickpeas in the PURE Juicer, using a #4 grid and combine mash with the wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (except chocolate chips).
Mix in the wet ingredients until you have a smooth dough. (If the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit of water).
Add the chocolate chips.
Scoop using a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon. Spread about 1 inch apart on parchment paper. Press the top of the cookies down slightly.
Bake for 8 minutes; check. Move cookie sheet to other oven rack and bake for another 4-5 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on a cooling rack. Enjoy some and freeze the rest!
Note: the original recipe we tried in our test kitchen from Jessica Seinfeld’s new cookbook.We changed it up by adding tiger nut pulp, reducing sugar, and making it gluten-free.
A Note of Gratitude
At PURE, one of our core values is community. We were thrilled when a community member in Africa reached out and encouraged us to try making tiger nut milk in the PURE Juicer. As soon as we tasted the scrumptious results, we knew we had to find a worthy chocolate chip cookie recipe to pair with it. It’s an honor to now share these recipes with the rest of our customers and friends. This is just one story, among many, of the ways our community has helped us expand our produce tool kit and shown us new ways to use the PURE Juicer!
Do you have a recipe you’d like us to try in our test kitchen? Let us know!
Health Benefits
coconut oil: known for its antimicrobial and fat burning properties, coconut oil is also a great source of antioxidants and can work as a quick source of energy.
flaxseed: flaxseed is a seed that comes from the flax plant, an annual herb. It is beneficial for its polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 family, soluble dietary fiber, lignans, proteins, and carbohydrates. Some research suggests omega-3 fatty acids have potential healing effects on ulcers, migraines, and ADD + ADHD. Finally, flaxseed packs the minerals calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Fiber is important for digestive health, while protein provides energy and keeps the immune system strong.
tiger nuts: also known as earth almonds or chufa, tiger nuts are the tubers of the yellow nutsedge plant. Packed with plant-based protein, insoluble fiber, and heart-healthy fats, tiger nuts have been used as food and medicine since first cultivated in ancient Egypt. They are known for their prebiotic properties and have been shown to improve heart health and blood sugar regulation.
vanilla extract: in addition to the calming aroma and pleasing taste of vanilla, there is some evidence that vanilla beans have powerful antioxidant properties, are anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and potentially anticancer.
Sources
Loathed By Farmers, Loved By Ancients: The Strange History of Tiger Nuts
10 Evidence-based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
The Top 9 Health Benefits of Flaxseed
6 Emerging Health Benefits of Tiger Nuts
6 Benefits of Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Beans
Medical Disclaimer
PURE Juicer is a juicing company. We are not doctors or medical experts. All content and information on this blog and website is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any patient-client relationship by using this website.
Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for professional advice. You should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in your area for your health questions and concerns before making any professional, legal, medical, financial, or tax-related decisions.
