Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding

Chia seeds come from the Salvia hispanica plant, which belongs to the mint family and is native to Central America. Among the Aztecs it was considered a dietary staple as well as a valuable currency.

 Don’t let it’s size fool you, it packs quite a bit of nutritional punch!

Just  3tbsp of chia seeds has the same amount of calcium(270mg) and protein(7g) as a cup of whole milk. It is high in antioxidants, with an ORAC(Oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value that’s 4 times higher than blueberries. It has about eight times more Omega 3 than salmon without  the mercury, dioxins, PCBs, cholesterol and saturated fat to name a few. Other healthy sources of omega-3s include walnuts, soy products, flaxseed oil and of course the very source where fish get their omega 3, seaweed.

Chia seeds also has more than 3 times the amount of iron in spinach, more potassium than bananas, is very high in dietary fiber and is gluten-free. You can consume them by simply mixing a spoon or two into your water, juice, smoothie, cereal, oatmeal or salad dressing. They are also great in baked goods and works really well as a replacement for eggs and oil. Here is a really easy recipe which is sure to satiate your palate and nourish your body.

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding – Gluten-free and Vegan

1 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk

1/4 cup chia seeds

3 tablespoons raw cacao powder

10 dates or to taste

Dash of pink Himalayan sea salt

A small handful of hazelnuts (optional)

Dark chocolate shavings for garnish

Directions

Add all the ingredients other than the chia seeds and dark chocolate to a blender.

I used homemade hazelnut milk, you can find the recipe here. 

Blend on high until it’s smooth and creamy.

Transfer this chocolaty goodness into a bowl and slowly mix in the chia seeds.

Cover and refrigerate until it’s thick like a pudding about 4 to 8 hrs. You can also spoon it into individual serving dishes and cover them with plastic wrap before you refrigerate.

Don’t forget to garnish with dark chocolate shavings before you dig in! Here is a list of vegan chocolates. Personally, I like Earth Circle Organics the most.

You can also garnish with strawberries, bananas, goji berries, pomegranate seeds, toasted coconut flakes or nuts.