Ingredients
- Chia Seeds: 1/2 cup (Black or white chia seeds work equally well; these tiny powerhouses create the pudding’s gel-like texture)
- Plant-Based Milk: 2 cups (Unsweetened almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk are great choices; choose your favorite for desired creaminess and flavour profile)
- Mixed Berries: 1 cup (Fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries – a combination adds complexity and nutritional variety)
- Sweetener (Optional): 1-2 tablespoons (Maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup; adjust to your preferred level of sweetness or omit entirely if berries are sweet enough)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavour and adds warmth)
- Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny pinch (Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavours)
Instructions
- Blend the Base (Optional but Recommended for Smoothness): In a blender, combine the plant-based milk, mixed berries, optional sweetener, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer whole berries in your pudding, you can skip blending the berries with the milk and stir them in whole or lightly mashed in Step 3.
- Combine Liquid and Chia Seeds: Pour the blended berry milk mixture (or plain milk if not blending berries) into a bowl or a large jar (at least 4-cup capacity). Add the 1/2 cup of chia seeds.
- Initial Whisking: Whisk everything together thoroughly. Make sure there are no clumps of chia seeds sticking to the bottom or sides. This initial vigorous whisking is crucial for preventing clumps later on. If you didn’t blend the berries, stir them in now.
- First Rest & Whisk: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll notice it starting to thicken slightly. Give it another good whisk to break up any forming clumps and ensure even hydration of the seeds.
- Chill: Cover the bowl or jar tightly (with a lid, plastic wrap, or reusable food wrap). Place it in the refrigerator to chill and fully thicken. This process typically takes at least 4 hours, but overnight (8 hours) is ideal for the best texture.
- Final Stir & Serve: Once the pudding has fully set and reached your desired consistency (it should be thick and spoonable, similar to traditional pudding or thick yogurt), give it a final stir. If it’s too thick, you can stir in a splash more plant-based milk until you reach the desired texture. Serve chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 250
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 7g