Looking for a little treat to get your day started? Need a late afternoon boost? Honey, do I have a recipe for you! I spent a lot of time last week experimenting with chia puddings (I even tried some over-the-counter ones to see how the pros make um) and am happy to bring you my favorite!
Packin’ more protein than most grains and five times more calcium than milk, high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, soluble fiber, potassium and antioxidants are just a few of the benefits of these little guys deliver. Get ready for a health-filled, flavorific ride to Tasty Town:
Banana/Cacao/Coconut Chia Pudding
3tbls chia seeds
1cup water
1tsp cacao powder
1/2 frozen banana
1/2tsp cinnamon
1/2tsp vanilla extract
1/4cup coconut milk, full fat baby!
First, make the chia gel, take the seeds and water in mason jar or other container with a lid that will withstand some shaking. Shake that ish up for 15 seconds, let it sit for a minute, give it another 15sec shake, then let it gel-up in the fridge for ten minutes. (You can use this gel as-is a pre-workout booster if you don’t want any extra fat or calories)
Take the gel and stir in the coconut milk, cacao powder, vanilla and cinnamon. Take the frozen banana, use a whole one if you want a sweeter pudding, and MICROPLANE (or use a regular grater) it into the pudding! I’m sure other people have done this before, but I tried it on a whim and loved how the grated banana just melted into the pudding, infusing it with sweet goodness.
Like I said, experiment! Need a little more sweetness? Add some chopped up dates and a dusting of stevia! What some spice? Grate some fresh ginger up in there! One of my favorite additions is goji berries, let them set in over night and they will plump up into amazing flavor bubbles by morning.
If you want a less “goopy” pudding, skip the gel part and stir in 3tbls chia seeds into 1cup unsweetened almond milk, add your flavors of choice, and let it set overnight.
If you have a favorite recipe for chia pudding, please share it with me!
