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!
elana says
Theresa -Thanks!
Maggie -Glad you find it interesting and please let me know how the chia in baked goods turns out.
Ruth -I have a chia nightcap every evening before bed and haven’t experienced any stimulating effects thus far.
Adrianna -There are several studies by highly esteemed medical journals (which you can find online) that state the fat in almonds is “good” fat that lowers cholesterol, controls appetite and has numerous other benefits. I think almonds are great and an essential source of important nutrients.
Beatrice -Yes, when I want a thicker dessert I reduce the ratio of liquid to chia seeds. Love your addition of rosewater –so creative.
Beatrice says
I’ve really enjoyed experimenting with the chia. I’ve found that 3 cups almond milk plus 1/4 cup chia makes a nice drink, and 1 cup almond milk plus 1/4 cup chia makes a thicker brew that requires a spoon. I like adding a little vanilla or rosewater to the almond milk.
Adrianna says
Made the chia pudding last night and loved it! I replaced the agave with stevia and also added a dash or two of cardamom.
My one question/concern with this recipe and the other recipes containing almond and/or coconut flour is: what about the high levels of fat?
Ruth says
I found some Chia seeds at Whole Foods for about $7 per 8 ounces. I wanted to try them out before purchasing a large amount (to justify S&H) on the internet. I was pleasantly surprised!! I think these might become a staple. I’ve been craving “goo” for awhile, and this seems to fill the bill.
QUESTION: I had a glass last night at about 7pm, and woke up fairly wide awake at 2am. Has anyone else had this reaction after a night-cap of chia?? (Or maybe that was stress.)
I made this with hazelnut milk (Elena’s recipe, substitute hazelnuts for almonds) and some coconut milk. (I come here because of my allergies, not because of celiac. I need to vary my diet a bit so that I don’t develop allergies to daily-consumed items. I try to make hazelnut milk instead of almond approximately every 4th week, and give my body a break from all the almonds.) (I’m allergic to bananas, so I can’t use hardly any of the recipes from chiativity.)
I’m intrigued by the cocoa/cinnamon combos listed here. Yes, these will be a staple.
Looking forward to more chia-recipes here!!!
Ruth
Maggie says
That looks so interesting! I’ve been wanting to get soem chia seeds to try in place of flax in baked goods but this recipe sold me. I have to try some now!
Theresa Watson says
Elana and Readers,
If you visit the site Chiactivity listed above, follow the link to Where To Buy Chia and then to Raw Food World. They have 5 lb bags of Chia seeds for $32.95 plus shipping — it comes out to about $8 a pound. (They have one pound bags also) This is the lowest price I have been able to find even with my wholesale license. They also have good prices on Agave.
Chia Away —
Theresa Watson
Merritt Island
elana says
Margaret,
Thanks for providing all of us with the link to your site –I LOVE the chia head!!! Brilliant.
Elana
Margaret says
I’ve just published your recipe and photo on my website (with attribution and links). I hope that’s ok.
Your readers are already very knowledgeable about chia seeds, but if they want to know more (including info about the pottery that grows), they should visit my website: http://www.chiativity.org
Thanks!!
elana says
Beatrice -Thanks for your comment. I think your price sounds right on. I was originally incorrect about the price of the seeds I purchase at Vitamin Cottage, they actually cost around $6-7 per pound.
Theresa -If the recipe doesn’t thicken up to a pudding consistency, just shake in a few more seeds; sometimes I have to do that. Per your question about supplements, I’m really not qualified to answer that, though any good nutritionist could. I can tell you however, that I am sure to take the following regularly: a probiotic, digestive enzyme, vitamin D, COQ10 and some type of fish oil. All of those to aid digestion and reduce inflammation (important for any auto-immune condition IMHO). Oh, and as you can see above, i totally misread the price the first time I purchased these –sorry ’bout that :-(
Theresa Watson says
Hi Again Elena,
You mentioned that you bought your chia seeds at Vitamin Cottage for $1 a pound — do you have some type of deal with them because I called them and they said it was $10.73 a pound. I paid $17 from Greens Plus. Since I find these seeds so soothing, I know that I want to always have a supply on hand. Do you know of any other suppliers that charge a little less.
Thanks again,
Theresa