560.Chia Seed Pudding

a healthy treat

These days the new health rage is seeds like chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, any thing that is coconut, mixture of fruits and vegetables. The list is endless. Even before chia seeds came onto the market, India has been using falooda seeds, Basil seeds or takmariya or sabja as its commonly known in faloodas and added in milk to give a cool refreshing drink. I remember pestering my mum to add spoonfuls of takmariya in my milk. She would tell me that too much is not good. Contrary to her belief basil seeds and chia seeds are very healthy.
There are slight difference between basil and chia seeds.

• While basil seeds are derived from basil plant which is mainly found in the Mediterranean region and Indian Sub -Continent, chia is derived from a plant called Salvia Hispanica, a type of mint mainly found in Mexico and Guatemala.
• The word chia comes from the Aztec word which means strength. Chia seeds can be eaten raw or soaked whereas basil seeds have to be soaked.
• Basil seeds are balck tiny seeds whereas chia seeds are oval in shape and can be grey, black, white or brown in colour.
• When soaked basil seeds form a gelatinous outer coat within a few minutes whereas chia seeds need to be soaked for a longer time.

However both have health benefits. They are rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, omega 3, potassium,protein and fiber.
Some of the health benefits of including this superfood in your salads, bakes, smoothies, desserts, oats etc are :
1) The omega 3 rich seeds are good for your heart
2) Rich in fiber makes it very freindly for your digestive system. Prevents constipation, helps to reduce acid reflux.
3) Regulates blood sugar because it contains alpha-linolenic acid.
4) Its an energy booster.
5) Because of its high calcium content, its good for your bones.
6) Chia seeds can hold up to 12 times its weight in water. Usually the chia water ratio is 1:10. This helps to ward off hunger pangs and makes you feel full for a longer period.
To read more about the benefits of chia seeds, read this.
For our 40th #FoodieMonday#Bloghop the theme chosen was #summercoolers. My initial idea was to make a cool refreshing mocktail. However, since last Monday the weather here has changed from extreme heat to cool rainy days. Not exactly the type of weather I want to nurse a cool mocktail. Making chia pudding has been on my ‘to do list’ for a very long time. So I decided to make this cool pudding. This pudding can be served as dessert, as a snack, or even for breakfast. Before I introduce you to the exact recipe, you can use fruit puree or chopped fruit to add to the pudding. You can use normal milk, coconut milk, any nut milk or soya milk. Top it up with your choice of fruits, nuts, grated coconut or a bit of dark chocolate.
I decided to use kiwi fruit puree. Check out the recipe and prepare for your family and you a healthy pudding.

updated 28/06/2016
Strawberries are in abundance right now in Montreal. After our long walk in the evening, we are looking forward to some dessert. I made chia seed pudding using strawberry puree. Loved the dessert. Follow the basic recipe as below but replace the kiwi with strawberry.

CHIA SEED PUDDING
Serves 4

1½ cups coconut milk
3 tbsp chia seeds
1 cup fresh kiwi puree ( I used about 4)
2 – 3 tbsp maple syrup/ honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp chopped nuts
fresh fruit for topping

1. Mix milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract in a bowl.
2. Add chia seeds and mix well.
3. Let the mixture stay at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Put the mixture in the fridge for 5-6 hours or overnight.
5. Peel the kiwi fruit and puree it.
6. Leave it in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.
7. Just before serving mix the fruit puree and chia seed mixture. Top it with nuts and fruits.
8. Serve.

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