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!
Emily says
Yum, morning protein shakes? I would love to see a post on how you make these!! Anything to change up my boring-same-old breakfast!
Kristin says
My daughter and I just had chia “tapioca” pudding last week at our local raw food restuarant. My thought was, “wow” I’ll have to figure out how to make this.” The next day there was an email announcing your post! Thanks so much for saving me the time and effort!
Kristin
~M says
pjarvistx – what about using a thin egg “crepe” instead of a tortilla? Like Heidi’s skinny omelette recipe? Just spread mashed avocado or refried beans instead of the pesto, and maybe use scallions instead of chives.
pjarvistx says
Elana,
I have used chia seeds for several months in my smoothies. I let them set for a minute to soak before drinking the smoothie.
Question – would it work to add chia seeds to your almond power bar recipe? I have heard of power bars that contained chia.
Also, I am on a low gluten, low carb eating plan (no wheat, soy, corn or rice) but I am a Mexican food lover. I would love to have a type of tortilla that I could use in recipes. Any ideas?
Christianne says
This looks amazing!
Unfortunately chia seeds are not sold in Europe (they are considered a ‘novel food’, which means that european law requires proof of 35 years of safe market experience before they are allowed on the market) But on the very upside: my boyfriend who is half canadian will be visiting his family in a couple of weeks and I’ll sneak an empty suitcase in his luggage… I will definitely let you know how this works out! I had to smile at the ‘raw’in your post title :-) (after recovering from your previous one on raw food..) You are doing the most amazing thing and if you’ll ever publish a cookbook, it would be my great honor to translate it for our people here!
Have a lovely weekend!
xox christianne
Jane Grey says
In Paris, France, organic chia seeds are sold in the Naturalia chain of health food stores.
derj says
it looks great!!! thanks for being a experimenter!
Sherene Silverberg says
We’ve just eaten the pudding. OMG, it is delicious. My daughter loved it so much that she’s asked for a copy of the recipe to be printed out for her recipe file. (she’s 7 years old and keeps a file of recipes that she can easily make and that she loves – it’s so cute)
Shannon says
Chia! As in Ch-ch-ch-chia pets. I had no idea what chia was.
I am so getting some and trying the recipe this wekend!
Jess says
Do the chia seeds have a similar texture to tapioca? This looks so delicious I will be making it anyway, but I was just curious.
gfe--gluten free easily says
Beautiful. We have a person in our support group who often sings the praises of chia seeds. Like you, Elana, she says they really calm her digestive system. Not that long ago, she shared the following article on our group’s listserv. http://www.naturalnews.com/024955.html Per the article, like quinoa, they were a super food of ancient cultures. Sure seems like a better use than growing a head of turtle “hair” on your chia pet! LOL Seriously, I do want to get some chia seeds and try this recipe. :-)
Shirley