Ingredients
- Chia Seeds: (½ cup) The star of the show! Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses, packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. They are the magic ingredient that thickens the pudding, creating that wonderfully creamy texture.
- Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): (2 cups) Use your milk of choice. Dairy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk – they all work beautifully. The type of milk will slightly alter the final flavor profile and creaminess.
- Vanilla Extract: (1 teaspoon) A good quality vanilla extract is essential for that classic vanilla flavor. It adds warmth and depth to the pudding. You can also use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla experience.
- Sweetener (Maple Syrup, Honey, or Agave): (2-3 tablespoons, or to taste) Sweeten to your liking! Maple syrup adds a lovely caramel-like note, honey provides a floral sweetness, and agave is a vegan option with a neutral flavor. You can also use stevia or erythritol for sugar-free options.
- Optional Toppings: (As desired) The fun part! Fresh fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, granola, coconut flakes, chocolate shavings, a drizzle of nut butter – the possibilities are endless to customize your pudding.
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl or a jar with a lid, pour in the chia seeds, milk, vanilla extract, and sweetener.
- Stir Well: Whisk or stir the ingredients vigorously for 1-2 minutes to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed and not clumping together. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth pudding.
- Initial Chill (Optional but Recommended): Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature. This allows the chia seeds to start absorbing liquid and prevents them from settling at the bottom. Stir again after this short rest to break up any clumps that might have formed.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl or seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator.
- Chill and Thicken: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This is the magic time when the chia seeds fully absorb the liquid and transform the mixture into a thick, creamy pudding.
- Stir and Check Consistency: After chilling, remove the pudding from the refrigerator. Give it a good stir. If the pudding is thicker than you desire, you can add a splash more milk to reach your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add another tablespoon of chia seeds, stir well, and refrigerate for another hour or two.
- Serve and Enjoy: Portion the vanilla chia pudding into bowls or glasses. Add your favorite toppings just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness. Enjoy it cold straight from the fridge!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 10g