If you have been following me on social media you might have noticed that I love chia pudding, not only for the incredible properties of these tiny gray seeds but also for its versatility. A creamy chia pudding can solve you a breakfast on-the-go, a fresh dessert on a warm summer day or a fast snack to pick you up. You can prepare it some days ahead, so it will be ready in the fridge waiting for your early morning meeting or your post-workout breakfast. You just have to grab it, toss in your favorite toppings and you are good to go.
I would say is the perfect deal when you are in a rush but sill want something healthy and nourishing. I like to make a big batch on the weekend and refrigerate individual portions in small and cute jars. Having it ready in the fridge makes things much easier and helps me to make better choices and stay away from those sugary not-so-healthy breakfasts that you can find in the streets. Thanks to its capacity to absorb liquids, it keeps me full and gets me going on busy mornings.
Chia pudding is also a great option when traveling; you can leave it ready the night before and take it with you on the plane. I can tell you that you will incite more than one envious look! In some trips, I even take a small bag full of seeds with me if I am not sure about the breakfast options that I will have over there; I just have to find some plant-based milk (aka mylk), some fruit and I am ready to explore the world!
A part from their versatility, chia seeds have amazing healthy properties.
Fast Facts:
Contain all the essential amino acids
Antioxidants in high concentrations
Good source of calcium, phosphorus and manganese
Perfect ratio between omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
Rich in vitamins like vit. E
Great source of soluble fiber
Thanks to their high content in soluble fiber, chia seeds are a great prebiotic. They promote good gut health and prevent diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases among others. As you can see we are in front of a true gift from nature.
Nevertheless, to absorb all their nutrients and take advantage of all their benefits they have to be ground before being used. I put the seeds in a blender, the one that I use to make smoothies, and give it a few pulses for some seconds.
For this recipe I have chosen the base that I usually prepare at home, with lots of spices. This combination of flavors slightly reminds me a carrot cake, but if you prefer to have it more “plain”, just omit the spices and add plenty of toppings!
Makes 1 serve
For the base:
3 tbsp chia seeds
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cardamom
¼ tsp ginger
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp vanilla seeds
125 ml almond mylk (or any other mylk)
3 tbsp oat yogurt (or any other yogurt)
3 drops stevia
My favorite toppings:
Cacao nibs
Bee pollen
Coconut chips
Nut butter (peanut, almond…)
Hemp seeds
Walnuts
Blueberries
Strawberries
Peach
Figs
Any fruit 🙂
Grind the seeds in a blender for 7 seconds. In a bowl, mix the ground seeds with all the spices. Then add the mylk, the yogurt and the stevia, mixing well to break any clumps that might appear at the beginning. You will have to wait 10 minutes for the seeds to get hydrated and it’s done! Now you just have to sprinkle your favorite toppings and enjoy!
If you want to prepare it for several days, just scale the base up and pour individual portions in airtight containers. They will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
*tbsp: tablespoon
*tsp: teaspoon
I really hope you enjoy it as much as I do! And if you try it, please, let me know which are your favorite toppings! Sharing is caring 😉
Don’t forget to smile,
Sara