stupid easy chia “pudding”

Honestly, this is so easy that I’m embarrassed to tell you about it. The upside, of course, is that is it also “customizable”, so you can do pretty much anything you like with it.

All you need is a bit of time. Oh, and chia seeds.

Yup, those seeds that were once relegated to being spread on unglazed ceramics and sprouted as “pets” have now been rediscovered as a new “superfood”. Good and good for you, they are sprouting up (forgive me) in salads, as a yogurt topping, in smoothies, in breads and muffins, and most anywhere else you can imagine.

I like them as a “pudding”.

It couldn’t be simpler. There are lots of “fancy” chia seed pudding recipes out there, but all you need is this:

stupid easy chia pudding
1/3 cup chia seeds
1-1/4 cup milk*
(sweetener if desired)

Combine in a tightly sealed container, shake to mix. Refrigerate for an hour or so, shake again. Chill for at least 4 hours, stir well and enjoy.
***

I mean, honestly, could it be any easier?

Oh, that asterisk above? Well, I like to make mine with chocolate milk (hence no need for additional sweetener). You can use soy or coconut milk, almond milk, rice milk, or good old-fashioned cow’s milk; whatever floats your boat really.

You can add spices, chopped dried fruit (apricots are good with chocolate I think, or raisins or currents with white milk). Or maybe add shredded coconut, or even tiny chocolate chips. Have fun with your food!

You could certainly add almost any flavored extract you like; a teaspoon of good vanilla makes chocolate taste more like chocolate! Mmmm…

I will warn you that it is a bit mucilaginous. I don’t mind this, but some of you might. I like that the seeds retain a crunch at their hearts, and the overall texture is just fine my me. It isn’t like tapioca (which I also like) but if you are not a pudding fan, well go ahead and put ’em in your salad!

This is almost too easy to qualify as a “fun to do with kids” recipe, but deciding about additions or just shaking the container could certainly be a “shared activity”.

That’s about it. If you try it let us know what you made and added… I think I’ll go have some right now! Mmmmm…

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