Last week I was assisting an awesome class with Chef Jill Burns on Inflammation. I usually really dislike chia pudding… and that’s putting it mildly! Something about the texture doesn’t sit well with me. But, this chocolate chia pudding we made was out of this world! I made a few changes to make the recipe a little simpler and reduced the sugar. The thing that’s different about this chia seed pudding recipe is that you heat the liquid ingredients. This helps the chia seed absorb more of the moisture. I don’t know why I never thought of that! Anyway 🙂 I promise you, it’s delicious!
Not only is it delicious, but it has some beneficial properties! Especially when compared to a typical dessert. Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, calcium, antioxidants, and omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important when it comes to inflammation. The most common place we hear about Omega-3s is from fish (or fish oil supplements). However, there are some plant-based sources of Omega-3s (like chia seeds). Omega-3s not only reduce inflammation, but they also seem to help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. I say it’s worth incorporating them into your diet!
And, if you have dietary restrictions, this recipe is pretty safe. It’s gluten free, vegan, soy free, dairy free, vegetarian, paleo, low carb, refined sugar free and I’m sure the list could keep going! Ha! Enjoy and let me know what you think!
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Ingredients
2.5 tbs cocoa powder
3/4 tsp vanilla
5 tbs chia seeds
1/4 cup maple syrup (feel free to add the maple syrup tablespoon by tablespoon to your desired sweetness – there are 4 tablespoons in 1/4 cup)
2 tbs almond or peanut butter
pinch of salt
Instructions
Whisk the liquid ingredients and cocoa powder together in a saucepan.
Once well incorporated, add the chia seeds and stir.
Cook on low heat until the chia seeds have expanded and aren’t crunchy anymore.
Put in ramekins or small serving bowls (or tupperware!) and put in the fridge to set.
For a little extra fun, serve topped with toasted nuts, coconut, berries or cocao nibs.
Enjoy!
Thanks to Free People for the image! You can check out their chocolate chia pudding recipe here.
Good sharing, for healthy purpose, Chia seeds offer the highest volume of Omega-3, as well as addition fiber (soluble and insoluble) along with vitamins or perhaps minerals you don’t usually get whenever you take sea food oil. Chia seeds giving you long lasting energy during the day moving in deep, restful sleep during the night time. Read more about Chia seeds at:
http://kidbuxblog.com/chia-seeds-is-the-most-extremely-versatile-superfood-and-vegetarian-supply-of-omega-3/
I was surprised to see this on the breakfast table the other day during our yoga retreat, but it was a great breakfast food and I look forward to sharing it with my youngest family members who might not other wise be interested in eating seeds for breakfast-!! Yum!
Hey Thea! Yeah it actually has very little sugar in it, but the coconut milk adds some nice natural sweetness. You can also top with cacao nibs which are sugar free, but look like chocolate chips! Hope they like it! Keep me posted 🙂