(Firstly, sorry for the late posting. I’ve been away for 2 days moving all my belongings into my new flat. I’m not actually moving in for 2 weeks as there are a couple of things to be done before then and I don’t need to be there until the end of the month when I start my Masters…I said this would be a busy month! Anyway, just wanted to fill you in. Back to the matter in hand…
Chia Seeds!
Image Credit: timesunion.com
This magical little seed isn’t that new to me and likely not to you either as it’s been prominent, particularly on the vegan “scene”, for a couple of years now. Even so, I wanted to feature it as it’s only recently that it has earned a firm position in my pantry and I’m using it almost daily.
It’s not just fantastic for its versatility in the kitchen but has a whole host of health benefits too. It’s very rich in omega-3s, which as you probably know, are essential fatty acids (EFAs) that our bodies need for optimal health. Chia is also full of quality protein, magnesium, calcium, antioxidants (more than blueberries), iron, folate and soluble fibre.
So, what did I make with it? I’ll share a few other chia recipes below but this time around I opted for a simple Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Chia-Oat Pudding for breakfast. If you’ve been around Coconut and Berries a while you’ll know of my endeavours to get up earlier in the morning, and I’ve found making interesting and tasty breakfasts helps entice me out of bed! This pudding needs mixing up the night (or a few hours) before you want to eat it so it’s all ready to eat in the morning, even more encouragement to jump up immediately when the alarm sounds instead of hitting the snooze button…
Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Chia Oat Pudding:
1/3C Oats
1T Chia seeds
1/2C Almond milk (add more in the morning to thin if desired)
70g/2.5oz (approx 1/3C) Strawberries
A few drops of vanilla stevia (to taste) OR sweeetener of choice
In a short-cup blender, blend together strawberries and almond milk. Add stevia to taste. Add oats and give a quick pulse to break the oats up a little bit. Stir in chia seeds, pour into a jar or bowl, cover and let sit overnight in the fridge, or for at least 1 hour for the pudding to thicken up.
Serves 1
Top with nut butter and fresh fruit if desired. I went for my current favourite combination of cashew butter and sliced banana 
Chia seeds’ ability to soak up liquid is what makes them really versatile in the kitchen.
I recently made a healthy no-cook jam using chia seeds and blackberries which was fantastic with my lemon coconut milk scones.
For a dessert or snack you can nix the oats and just stir in chia seeds to non-dairy milk and add fruit, cacao/cocoa or other flavours for a tasty and satisfying ‘pudding’ of sorts. If you saw my green tea ice cream post you’ll know I’m a matcha fan, so this Matcha Chia Pudding from Gena at Choosing Raw is on my to-make list.
Ground chia seeds work well as an egg replacer in b)aked goods, an alternative to ground flax which is what I usually use. See these Banana-Walnut-Chia Muffins (GF).
It adds bulk to smoothies too. This Cacao- Maca-Date one is my favourite indulgent breakfast smoothie.
Finally, I still haven’t made but must make Angela’s Super Power Chia Bread (GF). It uses buckwheat too! (See yesterday’s “B” post)
That’s all I can think of right now but if you use chia seeds for anything else please do share in the comments below.
I’m off to catch up on all your MoFo posts, see you all tomorrow for the letter “D”.
I’ve just been using chia seeds for a couple of months, but I really like them. They set up in puddings without fail and don’t demand special treatment. I can easily see eating this pudding for breakfast - I’m certain it tastes as good as it looks!
Exactly. They’re pretty magical with their thickening properties aren’t they?!
I love chia seeds, and this breakfast looks so cute
Thank you
The pretty pink definitely brightened up my morning.
sadly, I am not a big chia pudding fan. But I want to be. I’ve only had it a few times, and sometimes when I see a recipe like this, I feel compelled to try again. It’s just so beautiful!!!
It took me a while to warm to chia pudding but now I love it. With oats in the mix too it doesn’t have that “slimy” quality which might be a turn-off!
I love chia - we were having smoothies regularly in summer and had it in them every day - now it is still winter porridge - I have wondered about chia seems in porridge but as I share the batch with E and sylvia I am never sure
Hmmm, I haven’t thought to add it to hot porridge. I guess you wouldn’t need them as a thickener but would just be adding a little more nutrition.
Chia seeds are the best! I too am obsessed with them these days… Whether they’re in bars, smoothies, puddings, crackers, or even salads, they always add such a fun textural element, and of course they pack a serious punch of nutrition. It’s hard to imagine a time when I didn’t eat them now.
Salads? That’s a new idea. I add other seeds to salads though so there’s no reason not to add chia I guess, especially since they’re even more nutritious than other kinds. Thanks for the tip!
Wow, moving and mofoing at the same time sounds like a lot of stress! Good luck with the move. By the way, while I am typing this I am munching on a bowl of muesli with chia seeds!
Thank you! It is a little hectic but I’m just moving out of my family home into my own place so at least it’s just me to worry about.
Looks really tasty
Hope your move goes well, I’m still unpacking all my stuff. I’ve just moved aaaall the way from London to Scotland! Which is why I’m not blogging for Vegan MoFo, there’s just too much to do. What are you doing your Masters in?
Just read your post-Up to St.Andrews! I’ve heard it’s lovely there. I just visited Scotland for the first time a few weeks ago to go to the Edinburgh festival and loved it:) I’m moving from Oxford to Bath to do a Masters in Translation (French + Spanish). Excited to get started!
Nice! I love the link love fest for chia seeds. Good luck with your move - it can definitely be a stressful time.
I make chia pudding for breakfast if I’m not having smoothies - I’ve topped it with strawberries but never thought to blend them into it. Great idea!
Love the fruit blended in so the flavour is all dispersed. It’s yummy with raspberries too
Good luck with the final move! No worries about the delay.. I’ve also been posting late as well, about two days behind so far! When I thought of the Letter C, curry powder or cashew is the first pantry ingredient I would think of! But chia seeds sound better! What a hearty and beautiful pudding, perfect for breakfast or a snack!
I’m trying to challenge myself with the alphabet series and not go with the first ingredient which springs to mind! Glad you like the look of my chia-oat pudding
Love this! Sorry I’m a little late on commenting. I totally understand your busy week. Good luck with the move!!
Thank you. Everything’s going reasonably smoothly so far- except for a leak from the flat above mine!! Moving in officially on Monday!