At Crunchy Mama Box, we're all about nourishing your body with quick and healthy recipes. But if you're feeling adventurous, we've got plenty of options to spark your creativity! Share your unique creations with us – we can't wait to see what you come up with!
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours to overnight
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes to overnight
Ingredients:
Base:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
Base variations:
- Raw organic cacao powder
- Nut butters (almond butter, peanut butter or cashew butter)
- Pureed or mashed fruit can be added right into the chia pudding
- Protein powder of your choice
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the chia seeds, almond milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Divide the chia pudding into serving bowls or glasses, cover.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, until the chia seeds have absorbed the liquid and the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency.
- Top each serving with your preferred toppings.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious and nutritious chia seed pudding with your favorite toppings!
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or flavorings according to your taste preferences.
Topping Ideas:
- Berries: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries
- Fruits: sliced bananas, kiwis, dragon fruit, peaches, mango cubes
- Nuts: sliced almonds, ground pistachios, pecans, walnuts or macadamia
- Shredded coconut
- Granola
- Hemp seeds
- Cacao nibs
- Dark or white chocolate chips
- Yogurt or coconut cream
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dried mulberry
- Goji berries
- Cinnamon
- Mint leaves
Looking to add a touch of sophistication to your chia pudding?
Here are some creative ideas to take your dessert to the next level:
-
Basil: Fresh basil leaves can add a subtle, sweet flavor to your chia pudding, especially when paired with fruits like strawberries or peaches.
-
Lemon Balm: Infuse your pudding with the bright, citrusy aroma of lemon balm leaves. They work beautifully with citrus fruits or tropical flavors like pineapple.
-
Lavender: Add a hint of floral elegance to your chia pudding with culinary lavender. It creates a unique and aromatic dessert experience.
-
Rosemary: While typically used in savory dishes, rosemary's pine-like flavor can offer an intriguing contrast to sweet chia pudding, particularly when paired with berries or honey.
-
Lemon Verbena: For a refreshing and zesty twist, try incorporating lemon verbena leaves. Their strong lemon flavor and aroma will tantalize your taste buds.
Remember to use these herbs sparingly, as their flavors can be potent. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste based on your preferences. Get creative and enjoy your fancy chia pudding creations!
Crunchy Mama Tip: Experiment with different plant-based milk options like coconut milk, oat milk, or hemp milk to find your perfect chia pudding consistency and flavor profile. Each type of milk brings its own unique taste and texture to the dish, so don't be afraid to mix it up and discover your favorite combination!
