Chia seeds are a wonderful food, and healthy Chia Pudding is a fabulous breakfast, as well as a great snack! Rich in fatty acids, chia seeds contain more omega-3’s than any other vegetarian source. They are also quite high in anti-oxidants, minerals and fiber. Further, I find that they are quite soothing for my digestive system (and I’m always looking for a boost in that realm).
I got the idea for this smooth and tasty recipe from yoga teacher extraordinaire and raw foodie, Jess Price. I give her full credit for turning me on to both chia seeds and chia pudding.
Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews, raw
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch celtic sea salt
- ¼ cup chia seeds
Instructions
- Place the cashews and water in a vitamix and blend on high speed until smooth
- Blend in the honey, vanilla, and salt
- Place the chia seeds in a large mason jar (½ gallon size), pour the cashew mixture into the jar and shake well (very well!)
- Place in the refrigerator overnight
- Serve
Equipment
When I have extra time I soak my cashews for several hours (be sure to discard the soaking water) which makes for an even richer, creamier treat. You can also experiment by adding cinnamon, vanilla beans, and other tasty enhancements to this recipe (in your desired quantity).
Don’t let the fancy presentation above fool you. This delicious, nutritious pudding is ridiculously easy to prepare. Throw a bit of chia pudding into a smaller mason jar and it makes the perfect driving snack –ideal for slurpping up on road trips.
If you venture into the land of chia seeds and healthy Chia Pudding please let us know how you like ’em!
Update: Per questions below, I have made this with a mixture of cashew and coconut milk and it is delicious. I have also used chia seeds to make my morning protein shakes more rich, creamy and nutritious. This chia pudding keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days. Enjoy!
Ruth says
Has anybody tried substituting
something else for cashews?
My husband is allergic.
Thanks
Ruth
Sara says
Almonds or brazil nuts will work instead of cashews, or you could just use 3 cups of any liquid like coconut water or fruit juice.
VeggieGirl says
Oh my, what an elegant treat!! Love it.
Marie C says
Thank you for this healthy recipe. Which type of tapioca pearls do you use for this recipe. The big pearls or the small pudding type pearls?
Rebecca S. says
There is no tapioca in this recipe. The chia seeds soaking in the cashew “milk” make a tapioca-like texture. Hope this helps!
Stephanie @ glutenfreebynature says
Hi Elana,
Wow – this looks fantastic! Can’t wait to try it. I have some chia seeds and have been wondering in what kind of fun application I could use them – I think this is it. Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes. You are so creative!
Emily says
This looks scrumptious!!! I have been hearing about Chia seeds for some time now, but haven’t seen them at my Co-op or Whole Foods. Where do you purchase yours?
Terry H. says
Chia Seeds may be purchased at Whole Foods, GreenPolkaDotBox.com, Health Food Stores, many grocery stores – like Stop & Shop and Shoprite – also carry them.
Hayley says
I’ve never heard of Chia or it’s seeds, but this looks so tasty. Thanks for sharing!
~M says
This looks fabulous! I bet a splash of coconut milk could be great too! Or cardamom! My husband just loves cardamom anything!
How many does this serve? And how long does it last in the fridge? This looks like it would be a nutritious snack for me, and one that would really fill me up!
I’ve also heard great things (see Mike’s “Gluten Free Blog”) about making a chia seed slurry in the Vitamix to make creamy “milkshakes” that are rich in nutrients, omegas, and fiber – and no dairy!
Janet says
I also add cardamom, sometimes cinnamon to mine…delicious!
Sherene Silverberg says
I’ve been craving the sago pudding from my youth. I could not work out what sago was. recently I discovered tapioca pudding and now realize that it’s yet another case of different country, different name. I have been trying to work out how to make a parve tapioca pud. This recipe sounds marvelous. I have made it and it’s in the fridge. Can’t wait for tomorrow am.
Do you have any cake recipes using coconut flour that are also vegan? We love your totally wicked “cream cheese” frosting for carrot cake.
Erica says
How ironic is this. I was just asking the lady in the health food store today about chia seeds… she was like, I think people mix them in their yogurt… next time I go, I will pick some up! Thanks
Darlene Shehorn Ryno says
Sam’s Club sells them as well.
The Wind Attack says
interesting! I saw some chia seeds when I was at whole foods last night. I’ll have to buy some next time…