Chia Seeds: 4 Recipes You Can Make
Have you heard about the health benefits of Chia seeds, but aren’t sure how to use them? Many people don’t even know they’re edible (associating them with Chia Pets), much less how they taste or recipes to prepare them. If Chia seeds have you curious or if you just need some new ideas on how to eat them, here are some ideas and recipes.
1. Chocolate “Tapioca” Pudding
Chia has a natural gelling quality that makes it perfect for making a pudding. Here is a simple recipe for Chia chocolate pudding that is reminiscent of tapioca.
Ingredients:
* 1/4 cup Chia seeds
* 1 1/2 cups chocolate nut milk or chocolate cow’s milk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
* Sweetener of your choice to taste (Stevia is a popular choice)
* Pinch of salt
Directions:
Simply stir all ingredients together in a bowl and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will thicken and the Chia seeds will swell into soft, tapioca-like balls. You can refrigerate this during the gelling process.
2. Chia Granola
Think of this recipe as a springboard for making your own granola, or adding Chia to your favorite granola recipe.
Ingredients:
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1 tablespoons Chia seeds
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons raw honey
* 1 tablespoon safflower or canola oil
* Pinch of salt
Directions:
Combine and stir dry ingredients together in a bowl. Stir in the honey and oil, stirring well until the dry ingredients are coated evenly. Spread the mixture on a parchment paper-covered cookie sheet and back at 300 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, stirring once or twice. Cool thoroughly (it will get crunchy) before eating.
3. Yogurt Swirl
Mixing fruity Chia gel into yogurt makes a nutritious and flavorful breakfast food.
Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon Chia seeds
* 1 cup unsweetened fruit juice, such as apple, berry, orange, etc.
Directions:
Stir the Chia seeds into the juice. Let them sit for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. When the gel has formed, top your yogurt with it and swirl it gently into the yogurt.
4. Raw Almond-Chia Cookies
These cookies need no baking!
Ingredients:
* 1 cup almond butter (you could substitute peanut butter)
* 1 1/2 tablespoons raw honey
* 1 tablespoon safflower or canola oil
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
* 2 tablespoons ground Chia seeds
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a food processor or electric mixer and form mixture into balls. Roll balls in chopped nuts or shredded coconut if desired. Refrigerate or freeze and enjoy as a snack or dessert.
General Tips
Try adding a few tablespoons of Chia seeds to your favorite baked goods, or sprinkle them over cereal or yogurt. Add them to smoothies or sprinkle them on peanut butter.
