Lately, a lot of improvements to our diet seem to come from Costco purchases. I buy a big bag of something healthy-looking at Costco thinking “We should eat that!” Then, of course, we don’t and it just sits there. That was the case for this huge bag of chia seeds.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP newsletter recently suggested a chia seed breakfast pudding. Chia seeds are supposed to be a “superfood” providing amino acids and protein. If nothing else, I figured it would be a great way to use up all those chia seeds!
The recipe is super simple.
Just add water to the chia seeds.
And stir.
The seeds start to plump up and thicken in the water and form a sort of gelatinous goo.
Then you put it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
The recipe suggests that you top it with strawberries, blueberries, bananas or coconut. I had some frozen strawberries and blueberries on hand as well as a little shredded coconut so I threw that on top.
Results?
Well, it’s interesting! The texture is really unique. It’s sort of like eating tapioca pudding but with a crunch to it. The chia seeds don’t really have a flavor as far as I can tell so the fruit topping is essential. I did eat the whole bowl.
I tried to give it to my son to taste since he loves to eat oatmeal.
He refused to put it in his mouth!
It will take some getting used to if I am going to eat this on a regular basis. It does fill you up and provides a lot of nutrition with very few calories (just 180 calories for the seeds). You also get 56% of your dietary fiber, 6 grams of protein, and 25% of your calcium requirement! The bag also says you get Omega-3 fatty acids, “linoleic acid, that may aid in cholesterol reduction” and antioxidants as well.
So, I might try it again. I have 49 servings of these seeds to use!
What is your take on chia seed pudding? Please share in the comments.
*I have no affiliation with GOOP or Costco.
And if he keeps eating the Chia seeds, will he begin to grow Chia hair! Keep us posted!
I made some and enjoyed. 2 ways so far.
#1: I used almond milk not water, with a bit of extra vanilla extract, mixed it with some greek yogurt and black berries and a touch of agave. Tasty
#2: soaked in almond milk again, added a splash od chocolate coconut water and some vanilla salt, and a bit of stevia.
#3: soaked in almond milk, extra vanilla extract, chocolate coconut water, vanilla salt and shredded coconut.
I’d say the almond milk is tastier, considering it has about 40 calories a cup, negligible impact to your calories. I will definitely try a mix of coconut water and almond milk. The vanilla salt really enhanced the sweetness. I think the salt is actually a must. Just a pinch.
Your variations do sound delicious! Thanks for sharing! I have never heard of vanilla salt or chocolate coconut water. You must be quite the gourmet!