Chia Pudding - 2 Ways
Chia seeds have been used for many years and originate in Central America. It is said that the Aztecks consumed them regularly and used them for great fuel. Chia seeds contain anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids, fibre and minerals like calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium. The amazing thing about chia seeds is that when combined with liquid, they form a gel. Many runners use chia and fruit juice or puree to make a nutrient dense gel to squeeze down during a long run. Another way to consume chia is as a pudding with nut or seed milk, fruit and super foods. I use this all the time as a quick snack or breakfast.
You prepare it in literally 30 seconds and run out the door if you need to. Sometimes I will through in frozen fruit, green powder, ashwaghanda, coconut flakes, cacao nibs and collagen and after a few hours when I get hungry at work, you have a very hearty snack packed with superfoods. It does take at least 30 minutes to get the full gelling consistency to eat as a pudding so keep that in mind. However, you could also make a large batch and portion into mason jars for snacks and breakfasts for the week.
The jar on the left is with black chia seeds that have been blended into more of a pudding consistency. I recommend this to kids and anyone trying chia pudding for the first time. My boyfriend just tried chia pudding for the first time this way and LOVED it! I eat it weekly and love it, but for first timers who don’t like change or get weirded out by “healthy” foods thinking they will taste bad, this method is for them. Use slightly more liquid (11/4 cup milk + 1/4 cup chia seeds) and blend with organic cocoa powder and a sweetener of choice - stevia, dates, coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey.
On the right is non-blended with white chia seeds and you can physically see the chia seeds that have expanded with the liquid. Some people do not like the consistency because it is more lumpy, but once you get use to it and mix it with fruits you don’t even notice.
Chia Pudding
Ingredients
1-1 1/4 cups non dairy milk (coconut, hemp, almond, cashew)
1/4 cup chia seeds - white or black
Add ins: organic cocoa powder, maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract or vanilla bean, stevia, dates, chocolate greens powder, matcha powder, pumpkin pie spice, ashwagandha, maca, nut and seed butters, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, orange juice, lime juice, shredded carrot
Toppers: fresh fruit, dried fruit, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, nut and seed butters, warmed apples and cranberries with cinnamon and coconut sugar, hemp seeds, bee pollen
Directions
Mix chia seeds and milk in a jar and let sit for 30 minutes - 3 days. Mix “add-ins” in if using
Option to blend in a high speed blender, mix “add-ins” in if using and let sit to gel
Once gelled, top with desired fruit, nuts and seeds and enjoy
