How to Make Chia Pudding

Introduction

By Meg Thompson

Chia puddings are everywhere at the moment, and for good reason too! They are quick, easy and a great way to incorporate the goodness of chia into your diet.

Chia seeds are packed with calcium, magnesium, antioxidants, protein, fibre, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

You can easily add them to almost anything (smoothies, desserts, salads, etc) but be warned as they do have the ability to absorb a lot of moisture.

This means that if you add some to your green smoothie, drink it fairly promptly or you will need to attack it with a spoon!

In this way though, it is particularly useful as an egg replacement in baking for vegans or those with allergies.

And one of the best things about making chia puddings is that you can add anything you like. If you don’t want to layer the pudding, just mix everything together and enjoy as a chaotic colourful pudding!

Here’s how to make this baby…

Layered Chia Pudding Recipe

Serves 1

3 tbs chia seeds
1 cup coconut milk, or almond milk / milk of your choice
½ tsp acai or macqui powder*
A handful of almonds
½ ripe banana, sliced
2 tbs pepitas
2 tbs buckwheat
A handful of coconut flakes
1 tbs bee pollen (optional)
2 tbs berries (optional)

Place the chia seeds and milk in a jar and soak for 5-10 minutes. At this point, give the mix a good stir to further combine. Pop the lid on and leave for at least another 20 minutes, or overnight in the fridge.

Take out half of the mixture and place into a separate bowl. Add the acai/macqui powder to the removed portion, and stir to combine. On top of the mixture left in the jar, layer the banana and almonds. Add the second (purple) half of the soaked chia back to the jar, and continue layering with the pepitas, buckwheat, bee pollen and berries if using.

Enjoy straight away or take with you for a portable snack later on.

*If you don’t have acai or macqui powder, replace with 2 tablespoons of mashed blueberries.

For another idea, you can just make the basic chia section, add super foods or berries as desired and top with a thick and creamy green smoothie – why not!?

How?

Use the recipe above for the chia part, but add a good pinch of cinnamon and a little pure vanilla essence.
For the smoothie section:
2 handfuls of spinach
1/2 a banana
1/4-1/2 avocado
a small piece of cucumber
1/2-3/4 cup nut milk
Blend until creamy. Pour over the chia and bam – done!

What do you think?

I love making these kinds of things because you can’t stuff it up, there is no wrong, and you can make it as complicated or simple as you like. Enjoy!