Chocolate chia pudding is so simple and amazingly delicious. It’s the easiest healthy dessert recipe you can make with no baking.
It’s creamy, chocolatey, indulgent and yet, loaded with nutrients. Bonus, it’s also vegan and dairy-free. A winner of a dessert recipe that you’ll make again and again.
Health Benefits of chia seeds
Chia seeds are very popular now among foodies, especially as chia pudding, while they have long been praised for endurance by Native Americans. You may not know that there are two varieties, gray black and golden chia seeds, of which the former is nutritionally more superior. Chia seeds reduce both Kapha and Vata and can be used in moderation by Pitta. Chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and micro-nutrients. They may aid weight loss and help reduce inflammation, blood cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, while chia seeds can be a nutritious dietary addition for most, eating too much may cause some side effects like abdominal pain, gas and bloat. Some people may experience an allergic reaction after eating chia seeds, though this is uncommon. While chia seeds are safe for most people, you may want to moderate it intake if you are taking blood sugar or blood pressure medications. So, moderation is key!
Heart Health: Chia seeds are high in omega 3 fatty acids (EPA), which help lower the undesirable LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood that can cause heart disease and stroke.
Bone Health: They are also high in calcium and magnesium, which promote healthy bones and teeth as well as iron (great for people with iron anemia or low ferritin levels), folate and soluble fiber.
Gut Health: Soaking the seeds for even one hour releases their mucilaginous (gumlike) beneficial fiber, which promotes a healthy blood glucose, lubricates dryness, relieves constipation, reduces nervousness, helps with insomnia, and improves mental focus.
Always make sure you soak chia seeds for at least 5–10 minutes before you eat them. Those with difficulty swallowing may need to exercise extra caution when eating them. And, if you do not soak them, you may want to grind them before you add them to your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (for example hemp milk)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- Dash of Celtic sea salt
- 1 tablespoon organic maple syrup or raw honey
- Dark Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients to a large glass jar with a lid, give it a quick stir, and put the lid on. Shake it very well to mix it all up. Refrigerate until it looks like a very thick and pudding- at least 4 hours or overnight, shaking or stirring occasionally. Serve the pudding chilled with whatever topping you’d like.
Notes
Ideas for toppings: a few blackberries, cherries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries; goji berries, coconut flakes, a slice of fresh orange or banana, pieces of chopped walnuts, pomegranate seeds, whipped coconut cream.