Whether you love chia pudding, or this is the first time you’re hearing of it, this is a magical dish that is tasty enough to be dessert (especially so when you’re craving dessert for breakfast), and also qualifies as a healthy snack. It’s the perfect make-ahead option on weekdays when you’d rather hit the snooze button in the morning. You basically throw a bunch of ingredients together, and voila! Breakfast is ready and waiting for you in the AM. If you prepare this in a mason jar the night before, you can just pop it into your bag for a healthy breakfast on the go.
Chia seeds used to be a super niche ingredient that was hard to source, but now they’re pretty much available at local supermarkets quite easily. They’re a mainstay on menus in trendy restaurants and all-day cafés where chia is added to granolas, parfaits, dry cakes, salads etc. If you’ve been hearing a lot about chia seeds as a superfood lately, but not quite sure how to eat it, this is for you. Chia is packed with omega 3, protein, potassium, magnesium, and fibres; and known to boost energy, and regulate digestion. Chia itself is quite tasteless, so it can be used in a variety of different ways. On its own, chia can be sprinkled on salads, or ground and added to breads and crackers for additional nutrients, added to protein-rich snacks like energy balls, or in smoothies.
One of the easiest ways to use chia is to make chia pudding. These tiny seeds expand when added to liquid, and turn into gel-like spheres that are similar in texture to tapioca. To make pudding, chia seeds are soaked in milk overnight until they expand and absorb all the liquid, making a gel-like “pudding.” Because of its mild flavour, you can really experiment by adding different spices, chopped fruit, nuts, seeds, or any other toppings. Adding a teaspoon of matcha or cacao powder gives it a matcha or chocolate flavour. It also keeps well in the fridge for several days if you don’t add the fruit or toppings until later.
A few combinations I love:
~ Try vanilla with mixed berries like the recipe below
~ Add some fresh mango, mint, and toasted coconut for a tropical take
~ Use a teaspoon of cacao powder, and top with peanut butter and chocolate chips for a sweet treat
Make this tonight so you can sleep in tomorrow, and enjoy a protein-packed breakfast. Your future morning self will say: thank you!
- ⅓ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup milk of your choice + a little more
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- To serve: mixed berries or other fresh fruit, granola, nuts, seeds, cacao nibs, etc
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chia seeds, milk, vanilla and honey, and give it a good mix. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
- The next morning, give the chia pudding a good stir. Add an extra splash of milk to slightly loosen if required. Transfer the pudding into individual bowls or cups, top with berries and other toppings before serving.
Did you make this chia pudding recipe?
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