Blog #81: Matcha Chia Pudding (Vegan + Gluten-Free)

 

 

 

The first time I tried chia pudding, I got it from a health food store.  I didn’t like it.  I found the store-bought one to be poor tasting and over priced.

But then, I discovered the glory of making it myself.

Who knew chia seeds could be so yummy?  Not only can it be added to smoothies and baked goods, but you can make your own healthy and delicious chia pudding.

It’s super practical and convenient.  You get many health benefits too.  You can easily have it for breakfast, or a snack.  And with just a few changes you can easily turn it into a delightful dessert.

I haven’t bought chia pudding from a store since that one time.   I’m glad I decided to attempt making it for myself.  Every time I make it, it gets better and better — especially as I  experiment with new flavors.

Sometimes taking the bull by the horns is the way to go!

Now, let’s get into the pudding…

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
• 1/4 cup full fat coconut milk (canned)
• 1/2 tsp matcha powder
• 1/4 whole chia seeds
•  1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp coconut palm sugar
• 1 banana for decoration

 

Method:

Put the chia seeds, matcha powder, coconut palm sugar, cinnamon, almond milk, coconut milk and vanilla extract in a bowl.  Mix well.  Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours until mixture has thickened to a pudding consistency.

Serve and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

Special Notes:

• Chia seeds absorb a lot of liquid.  So, after you have refrigerated your chia pudding and allowed it to thicken, you may find that the pudding has become so thick that there’s hardly any milk left in the bowl.  That’s okay!  Just add more almond milk

 

• The purpose of the coconut milk is to make the consistency of the pudding slightly thicker and creamier.  If you don’t want to include the coconut milk, that’s okay, simply use another non-dairy milk that you like instead

 

 

 

 

Health Benefits:

• Chia Seeds: Aztec warriors used chia seeds to keep them full during long periods of travel (up to 24 hours).  They are high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals.  It’s good for your digestive health and curbs the appetite.  The anti-aging properties are due to the anti-oxidant content

 

• Matcha Green Tea: Matcha is finely ground green tea leaves.  Your potential for getting nutritional benefits is higher in this form because certain elements are kept in tact (as opposed to drinking the dried tea).  It’s full of chlorophyll (green pigment), antioxidants and helps to detoxify the body naturally.  It also contains fiber and helps to boost your metabolism

 

• Cinnamon: This flavorful spice is very good for keeping healthy circulation.  It contains such nutrients as iron, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, and magnesium to name a few

 

• Almond milk: Gives you vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium and calcium (Note: Store-bought almond milk vs home-made almond milk is a factor in the amount of nutritional value you get)

 

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Thank you for visiting by my blog! 😃  I hope you gained some useful information from your visit here!

Have you tried chia pudding before?  If so, what flavor did you have?  If not, I hope you give this recipe a try!

Leave a comment below letting me know your experience with chia pudding.  Do you like it?  Are you not a fan?

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Peace & Love ❤️ 🌿,

–  Chrissy