Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding is a healthy and nutritious dessert, ideal for those looking for something light but at the same time satisfying. Here is the classic recipe, which we can then vary with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 1 cup (about 240 ml) of milk (can be cow’s milk or a plant-based variant such as almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
• Fresh fruit, to serve (for example, berries, sliced bananas, etc.)

Preparation

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chia seeds with the milk. Add the vanilla extract and the sweetener you have chosen.
2. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients. Make sure the chia seeds don’t clump together so they can expand evenly.
3. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes and then stir again to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and swell up to create a pudding-like consistency.
5. Once the pudding has reached the desired consistency, stir it well and if necessary adjust the sweetness.
6. Serve the pudding in small cups or glasses, adding fresh fruit as desired on top.

To add an Italian touch to your chia seed pudding, you might try using almond milk, which is much loved in our lands, and complete the dessert with a spoonful of homemade citrus jam, such as that of blood oranges or lemons, for a sweet-citrus contrast that pairs well with the delicacy of the pudding.

Curiosity

Chia seeds were a staple food for the Aztec and Maya civilizations, and their name means “strength” in Maya languages. Today, they are appreciated for their high content of fiber, protein, and omega-3s.