If you haven’t been living under a rock (or – shout out to my Americanos in the house – under a Chia Pet) for the last few years then you’ve probably heard of chia. Chia was a staple crop among both ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures, with the Aztecs purportedly hashtagging it #morevaluablethangold.
It’s made a major comeback in the modern world, and for good reason. Small but mighty, this plant’s seeds are truly deserving of the term superfood. These tiny seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch, boasting loads of fibre, protein, Omega-3s and micronutrients. Plus, they more than double their size when soaked in liquid, making them a super satisfying snack. Booyaaaa.
So, how to get these guys into your meals? Sure, you can add chia to your diet by sprinkling on salads or soup or your morning oats, but… PUDDING.
Yep. Pudding is my chia vehicle of choice and it’s one of my most requested recipes. People can’t get enough of it! The secret to a stellar chia pudding is using the best quality milk that you can get your hands on, preferably homemade. (Grab my recipe for DIY Almond Milk here!)
Eat your pudding straight up, or layer with fruit, coconut yoghurt and sprinkle some shredded coconut or cacao nibs on top for an ultra-tempting treat. Kiwi and coconut or mango and cacao nibs are two of my favourite combos.
So without further adieu, here’s the recipe for Powerhouse Chia Pudding. Get some puddin’ in ya.
CHIA PUDDING RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups almond milk, coconut milk or other non-dairy milk
- 9 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
METHOD
Place the chia seeds in a mixing bowl, then add the milk. Stir to combine. Allow the mixture to sit for 30-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. I like my chia pudding thick and creamy, so I let it sit for as long as possible to allow the seeds to plump up as much as possible.
Once the chia has absorbed the liquid and it’s nice and thick, stir in the cinnamon, vanilla powder and maple syrup. Adjust seasoning to taste. Thin with more milk if you prefer a thinner pudding!
Top with sliced fruit, berries and cacao nibs, or layer with coconut yoghurt and fruit to create a chia pudding parfait!
Once you’ve given it a shot, tag me in your creations on Facebook and Instagram!
