Warm (Super Quick) Chia Pudding

Who doesn't love a comforting brekky? This warm coconut chia pudding is a healthy, protein-filled version that's simple and easy to make and one of my baby’s favourite breakfasts!

Using hot water was a tip I got from one of my nutrition lecturers, and is the secret #foodhack that makes this the perfect breakfast for those mornings when you don't have much time! Not only do the seeds plump up much quicker (no waiting overnight like when you use cold water or milk) but it makes this dish a paleo/grain free version of the warm oats you used to have when you were a kid.

Paleo, gluten/dairy/sugar-free

Ingredients

·       2 tbs chia seeds

·       4 tbs HOT water

·       3-4 tbs coconut cream

·       Cinnamon

·       Optional: raw cacao powder (for a chocolatey version)

Method

Add hot water to the chia seeds and cinnamon/cacao, stirring until absorbed. Add the coconut cream, again stirring until all liquid is absorbed. You can add more depending on how thin/thick you like your pudding.

Top with whatever you like; I added organic blueberries, home grown passionfruit, shredded coconut and chopped activated almonds. This pudding is even more amazing with almond butter and honey mixed in. Super easy!

Chia seeds eaten raw or made into puddings have been all the rage lately mainly because they are said to pack a powerful punch nutritionally: rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, protein and antioxidant minerals such as calcium, potassium, Vitamin E, boron, zinc and phosphorus, and both chia seeds and cacao are sources of vegetarian iron. To best obtain these nutrients though, it’s important that they’re prepared properly so our bodies can digest and make the most of them - soaking is one method that helps make them more bioavailable.

Heads up when serving to kiddies: As great as this is from a nutritional and time point of view, just a cautionary note that this can create a bit of a sticky mess if serving to toddlers who still get a lot of their food everywhere but their mouths! That gelatinous nature that makes chia seeds great to use a binder also means they have a tendency to stick to bibs, clothing and hair. On a more positive note, I’ve found that regularly eating this dish leads to regular and firm (ie. Easy to clean) baby poops, which equals less mess when changing nappies!