Chia is a nutritious ancient seed that has been a staple in Latin America and Mexico for thousands of years. In Mexico, a few years ago, I renewed my love affair with these amazing power packed natural wonders!
I was thrilled to be able to purchase Chia directly from the family who grows it, just north of Guadalajara. Their company, "Pura Chia" shared some of their favourite recipes with me. Some of the pictures in this post are courtesy of Carmen, a devoted family member, from whom I purchased my own 'supply'. There are NO affiliate links here, nor have I received anything from the company. Have been making goodies with chia for a long time, and thrilled to find this family of farmers!
Chia~Nutritious ancient seed is indeed packed with goodness!
Did you know that a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that regular consumption of chia seeds can increase Omega-3 fatty acid
levels by up to 138%?
Also, take a peek at this list of attributes!
Considering that 1 ounce (28grams) or about 2 tablespoons packs a nutritional punch and contains only about 100 use-able calories (minus the calories from fiber) (Source)
- Fiber: 11 grams.
- Protein: 4 grams.
- Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are omega-3s).
- Calcium: 18% of the RDI.
- Manganese: 30% of the RDI.
- Magnesium: 30% of the RDI.
- Phosphorus: 27% of the RDI.
- ALSO: a good amount of zinc, vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2 and potassium.
It's a great idea to include food choices that are rich in high fiber foods like chia seeds !!
Chia~Nutritious ancient seed ~ SO easy to make often!
Mango Coconut Chia Pudding
Chia Nutritious Ancient Seed is the star in this guilt-free coconut pudding from the folks at Pura Chia
Ingredients
- ½ cup of coconut milk
- ½ cup of coconut flakes or grated fresh and then chopped
- ¾ cup of fresh mango cut into small squares
- 2 tablespoon Chia seeds
Instructions
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Mix all the ingredients together
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Spoon blended mixture into jars or cups.
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Put in the fridge for a minimum of 5 hours or overnight.
Recipe Notes
Enjoy
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 T chia seeds
- ½ C almond milk
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 oz sliced bananas
- ½ T mini chocolate chips
Instructions
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1. In a container with a lid, combine the chia seeds, almond milk, and chocolate.
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2. Stir or shake well to combine.
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3. Let pudding sit in the fridge for at least a couple of hours or overnight.Its's ready to serve.
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Top with the chocolate chips or carob or your choice!
Recipe Notes
Adapted from courtesy of Pura Chia
POMEGRANATE CHIA SEED PUDDING
Pomegranate Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk or your own preference
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds + more as a topping if desired
- 3 tablespoons of chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon of honey or brown rice syrup
Instructions
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Deseed the pomegranate.
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Put the pomegranate seeds with the almond milk and honey in a blender and blend for a few minutes.
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Drain the pomegranate milk through a strainer or cheesecloth and fill it in the glass.
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Add the chia seeds to the pomegranate milk and give it a good mix.
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Let it sit for about half an hour and mix it again.
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Place the chia pudding in the fridge for about 5 hours or best overnight beforeeating.
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You can top the chia pudding with additional pomegranate seeds if you want!
Recipe Notes
NOTES
If your glass only holds 1 cup, you have to reduce the amount of the ingredients slightly.
Chia ~ Nutritious Ancient Seed? It's a good idea!
How do you use this special ingredient? Love to hear from you!
This is a tropically inspired pudding -- using the Coconut Mango recipe above ~~ but made with fresh peaches!!
Here's to our health ~ One delicious mouthful at a time!
Green blessings to all -- xo Carol
Cindy Hatcher
I will definitely try the chocolate pudding recipe. Our youngest daughter says that flax (made in a similar manner) makes her gag. She says it's too slimy. Maybe the chocolate flavor may change her mind. Any helpful hints on getting children to try "the slimy stuff"?
Erin
I need to try your mango coconut pudding! That sounds wonderful. We love chia!
Carol Little
Hope you enjoy Erin!!
Shelley Alexander
Carol, I love chia seeds and all your delicious recipes look so good! I have some mango, coconut flakes and coconut milk so I will be making the coconut pudding recipe this week! Thanks for sharing so many yummy ways to use this nutritious seed!
Carol Little
Shelley, Hope it turns out and is SO delicious!
Lindsey Dietz
I love chia seeds but not their texture. Do you think that using powdered chia seeds would work?
Jolene @ Yummy Inspirations
You've shared so many yummy ideas - love this idea of mixing pomegranate through a chia pudding! Yum!
Carol Little
Great Jolene. Let me know how it turns out!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Wow these looks so good! Such a fun snack. Love the chocolate one and the pomegranate too.
Carol Little
Thanks Em! Hope you make these and enjoy!
Abbey Sharp
WOW those pomegranates. Sounds like my knd of snack / dessert. Healthy, yet super delicious. thanks for sharing
Tash
These all sound delicious! I LOVE chia pudding and it's so quick and simple to make!
Carol Little
Thanks Tash! I agree. I am always looking for a new version!
Evelyn Parham
I have chia seeds in my cupboard, I but hardly use them because I don't have many recipes. When I do use chia seeds I always use them the same way in smoothies, sprinkling on a salad, or adding them to some pancakes. Now I have some new ways I can use chia seeds and I look forward to trying out your recipes.
Carol Little
Great Evelyn. Hope you enjoy these ideas!!
linda spiker
Gorgeous recipes! Pinned.
Carol Little
Thanks Linda!
Raia
Oh beautiful deliciousness... I need to get myself some chia seeds asap! :) Thank you so much for sharing these at Savoring Saturdays !
Carol Little
Thanks Raia. Hope you and your family enjoy!
jen
always looking for more chai recipes since they're so good for you- these look delicious!
hoping over from the savoring saturday link up
jen http://www.abalancedbelly.co.uk
Tina @AMindfulFairytale
Love chia seeds!! I always go for the chocolate pudding but the pomegranate one sounds amazing!
Carol Little
I'm experimenting by substituting different fruits. Loving them all! Enjoy!