Munchies Score
Out of 100
You wander into the grocery store, searching for a new breakfast snack, and stumble upon a bag of chia seeds. It looks like the stuff your neighbor puts in the bird feeder, and you recall stories of old folks eating cat food to save money. A glance at the price tag tells you it’s not a bargain; the aisle tells you it’s not pet food.
As you dismiss the sack, its “superfood” slogan as an advertising scam, a fitness buff pushes past and swipes half the shelf into his basket. Then, a mother with a wailing baby gathers patiently behind you, and you step aside to watch her. She hands a bag to her child who stops crying, cuddles it as if a stuffed dinosaur.
Hooked, you shrug one into your own cart with no recipe planned. Later in the car, you pound a handful and gag. Money wasted, seeds tucked into the bottom cabinet, they wait for you to unlock their tastiest form: chia seed pudding.
Review:
Health Benefits:
Chia seeds, A.K.A “superfood of the Aztecs”, were once regarded as more valuable than gold. Now, they wrestle with boiled eggs for a spot on the breakfast menu. Yet, their nutritional strength remains the same. Packed with soluble fiber, and combined with kefir, flax seeds and fruity toppings, they satisfy even the grumpiest of guts. If ever blocked up, wishing to squat on the pot, I shovel some down for relief! Then, I take another bite for the taste and another for nutrition.
- Soluble Fiber
- Insoluble Fiber
- Prebiotics
- Probiotics
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Protein
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Antioxidants
Chia Pudding can be made:
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
Assorted Flavors:
Chia seed pudding provides a workable foundation for mad scientists in the kitchen. The creamy gunk combines with fresh fruits, ground meats, nut-butters, candies, condiments — anything the imagination (and palate) craves! I often clean out the fridge by slopping leftovers on top for an easy dressing. Concoct your own recipe and share it in the comments below!
Popular Topping Combos:
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- American Cheese
- Ground Beef
- Apple
- Cinnamon
- Walnuts
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Berries
- Vanilla Extract
- Broccoli
- Bacon Bits
- Baked Beans
- Lentils
- Onion Powder
- Banana
- Pecans
- Prunes
- Shredded Coconut
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Cinnamon
Crop Control:
If you like to leave the house looking like you just ate a clump of dirt, then this meal is for you! Otherwise, don’t forget to brush and floss. The sticky seeds plant themselves in the holes between your teeth and may start growing if left too long. Although a personal garden sounds thrifty, you’ll likely yield more cavities than crop.
How to Munch:
Raw chia seeds taste like gravel on the school bus floor. But if soaked, they absorb liquid and form a creamy gel: pudding! Most recipes recommend milk (dairy, coconut, almond, oat, etc.) or fruit juice, but I prefer kefir to add a rich contrast to sweet toppings.
- Stir about 3-4 Tbsp chia seeds into 1 cup of liquid, adjusting for desired thickness (I also add a scoop of ground flax for a nutty taste).
- After 5 minutes, stir again to destroy any lumps.
- Store in the fridge for an hour or overnight to allow the mixture to set up.
- Toss whatever you want on top!
Click here for more recipe ideas!
Got the munchies for chia pudding? Leave your recipes and review below!
That looks amazing!!!!
Let me try it!
I’ve got some chia seeds stuck in my teeth right now!
This sounds really tasty! Definitely has some useful properties… The Surf Scum sounds delicious. Thanks for the information, Dom!
They also grow in the cracks of the floor. Sweep when you are done and you can supply your Chia Pet with an unending crop.