Looking for a new, filling, healthier breakfast option? Chia pudding is a great option and a great source of plant-based protein. I also love it for a yummy dessert! Try it with some raw cacao powder with fresh mango sliced on top.
Fun history fact:
Chia is the Mayan word for “strength” and trees were planted all around Mayan cities as a major staple crop.
“Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses from Central America that contain essential fatty acids, dietary fiber, and are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Their fiber and healthy fat content is beneficial to diabetics, as it balances blood sugar levels. They are also known to boost energy and metabolism and are often used by endurance athletes. One ounce of chia seeds contains 18 percent of the recommended daily amount of calcium, making it a great plant-based source of this fundamental mineral known to build and maintain strong bones.” - excerpt from my Healing Tonics cookbook
It’s also a wonderful recipe to meal prep for the week or just the next morning! It’ll last in the fridge for at least 3 days. Ready to go for breakfast or a healthy sweet treat.
photo by Clare Barboza
Chia Pudding
Yields 2 cups (2 servings)
INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup chia seeds
1 1/2 cup mylk (I rotate between coconut and hemp, but any plant-based milk will do)
2 tbsp liquid sweetener (I use either VT maple or raw honey)
pinch salt (I use pink fine ground Himalayan)
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, optional
1/4 tsp vanilla extract, optional
Tips:
- Feel free to add other flavor varieties! Like ginger powder for a chai spice feel or raw cacao powder for a chocolate boost. So many ways you can go with this base recipe.
- You can also leave the sweetener out altogether if you’d like, you just might need to add a little more milk or water so there is enough liquid content.
- If you want to prep a few servings to have for the week, double the recipe.
DIRECTIONS
Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk until well combined. Make sure to whisk right away (use a fork if you don’t have a whisk) to prevent the chia seeds from clumping. Trust me, once they clump it is very hard to break them up to the desired consistency.
Let sit for at least 30 minutes before enjoying. It will thicken and chia seeds will plump up as it sits. This is a great thing to make ahead of time (the night before for instance).
Garnish with your desired toppings! Ideas: fresh or dried fruit, nuts amp;/or seeds, raw jam, nut or seed butter, granola, superfoods (goji berries, cacao nibs, hemp seeds, etc.). The skies the limit! Or your pantry stock :)