Yes, you probably want to start singing the jingle from the commercial: Ch-ch-ch-chia (pet). And yes, you can eat this seed! Who would have thought it was so healthy back in the day? This recipe is so easy to make it’s almost too good to be true.
Makes 1 serving
- 1 cup coconut, almond, or hemp milk
- 2-3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 banana chopped ( optional)
- ½ cup blueberries (frozen are OK)
- Handful of almonds or walnuts, if desired
- Cinnamon, to taste
Mix all the ingredients together and let them sit in the refrigerator or the counter top for a few minutes. Stir after a few minutes, as the chia is “gelling” into a pudding-like consistency. Let it sit in the refrigerator about 20 minutes or until ready to eat.
Word of caution: don’t be put off if you don’t like it the first time- this is definitely one of those foods that needs to be tried a couple of time.
The soaked chia gel can be used in smoothies as well. In fact, I prefer adding soaked chia as it doesn’t thicken the smoothie too much cause it is already saturated with the liquid.
Now, let’s talk about the health benefits of chia. It is a superfood, for sure! According to Dr. Andrew Weil, Chia is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provides fiber as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc. Chia is a perfect food to overcome sugar cravings.
My favorite toppings: Stewed or fresh Peaches, Blue Berries, Stewed Red Apples, and fresh Green Apples.
To save time in the morning I like to make a couple of portions of the chia pudding, store them in individual-portion glass containers and save it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In the morning, take a container, top it with fruit and I have my breakfast to-go! (this is quicker than a drive –thru!)
If you find the pudding too thick, you can add more milk or a little water. If you find the pudding too thin, add more chia or any of the other ingredients to make it thicker. You really can’t go wrong with chia pudding, which is why I love making it so much.
Another great benefit of chia seeds is that they are good for travel. Pack them in your suitcase and have them readily available to make chia pudding for breakfast or a snack in your hotel room. You can also pack travel size containers of almond milk (if checking luggage), as well as nuts and just pick up fresh fruit in your destination city.
Soon you will be singing ch-ch-ch-chia right along with me! Enjoy.
