This is such an easy summer recipe and so versatile! It can be used for breakfast, as a snack or even dessert. You can also change up flavors or top with any type of seasonal fruit.
Chia seeds are a nutritious superfood that contain omega-3 fats, minerals, fiber and protein. Just one tablespoon contains 5g of fiber, 3g of protein and 2.5g of omega-3 fats.
They are great for hydration too as they absorb large amounts of liquid. The Aztecs used to use chia seeds to cross long deserts and keep them sustained with energy and endurance (talking to you athletes out there!).
Chia seeds are also a great egg-replacement, I've used this product many a times while baking for my son Gavin who is allergic to eggs (for now). He absolutely loves his chia seed pudding topped with seasonal fruit with no sweetener necessary. And it's great to pack up and travel with too when you're on the go. I like to add a little more protein using collagen powder to keep my kiddo content for a while and this usually avoids the snack requests.
Oh and pregnant or nursing mamas - this is an especially great staple to have in your home! Absorbing nutrients for you and baby plus staying hydrating during such a special time in your life is so key. I suggest sprinkling in a glass of coconut water or beverage of choice.
Hope you are enjoying the summer and let me know how you make this chia seed pudding recipe your own!
Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients:
1 can of full fat coconut milk
4 tbsp. of hydrolyzed collagen powder
6 tsp. of chia seeds
1/4 tsp. of vanilla extract
Toppings:
1/4 tsp. of cinnamon
1/4 cup of organic berries or fruit (for topping)
Drizzle of pure maple syrup or raw local honey
Directions:
Open up can of full fat coconut milk and stir with wooden spoon in a glass container (that can later be sealed) or a wide-rim mason jar. Alternatively you can blend it in a high speed blender to mix well.
Add vanilla extract, collagen and chia seeds. Stir together (do not blend).
Let soak for minimum 6 hours or overnight in fridge.
Remove from fridge and serve chilled with toppings of choice.
Variations:
For chocolate flavor, blend raw cacao powder or chocolate protein powder with coconut milk (may need to add some filtered water to keep consistency the same)
You can try blending all ingredients together if you don't like the consistency of the chia seeds soaked.
*Always use organic and natural ingredients where possible.
With Joy,
Nicole