Pudding— which kid doesn't love that? Well, no one. Chia pudding is a super-delicious yet incredibly healthy breakfast choice loaded with lots of fiber, protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Besides, it has that naturally sweet and creamy texture, which makes it a kids-loved alternative to processed sugary snacks.
The secret to the perfect chia pudding is soaking the chia seeds properly. Chia seeds actually absorb liquid, and expand up to create a perfect consistency. And with the right soaking time, you can get a smooth and delicious texture that your little one will fall in love with.
Read below this interesting article to find out the complete recipe for vanilla chia pudding.Â
Basic Vanilla Chia Pudding Recipe
Here’s what you will need to prepare the basic vanilla chia pudding.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 cup milkÂ
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Soaking Chia Seeds
Did you know that chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid, to form a gel-like texture? Besides, proper soaking also helps in better digestion and improved nutrient absorption.
On the other hand, dry chia seeds can absorb moisture in the stomach, thereby, leading to discomfort.
For best results, soak the chia seeds for at least 2 hours or overnight!
Instructions
Follow the procedure given below carefully.
Mix the Ingredients
In a jar or bowl, combine chia seeds, milk, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Now stir well to evenly distribute the seeds.
Stir After 5 Minutes
Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together.
Soak and Refrigerate
Now simply cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to get the perfect thick and creamy pudding.
Stir and Serve
Before serving, stir the pudding again to ensure a smooth consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a little more milk.
Topping Ideas
Here are a few interesting topping ideas for your chia pudding.
- Fresh fruits: Bananas, strawberries, blueberries, mango
- Nuts & seeds: Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds
- Granola or oats for added crunch
- Yogurt for extra creaminess
- Dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs
- Coconut flakes for a tropical flavor
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 10g
- Healthy Fats: 7g
- Omega-3s: 4g
This pudding is rich in nutrients that eventually aid in digestion and higher energy levels for those active ones!
Conclusion
This easy-to-make chia pudding recipe is a perfect breakfast. It is both nutritious and convincingly delicious. The soaking process can help you get the right texture and higher nutritional benefits.