Cherry Chia Pudding

This Cherry Chia Pudding is just perfect for a healthy and deeeelicious start to your day!

It’s Friday and the weekend is here! But for us, it hasn’t been Fri-YAY. 😦 We woke up to not a single drop of water flowing through our taps! Don’t you just hate it when things go wrong from the get go? Lucky for us, breakfast was already pre-prepped last night!

I love a good breakfast. That has been my favourite bit about taking time off to focus on me. Everyday I wake up, and put together a lovely breakfast, one that is both healthy and hearty. Some days it’s pancakes, other days it’s baked oatmeal, peanut butter sandwiches, or a bowl of granola, fruit and yogurt. And every once in a while there’s this urge to cook up bacon, eggs, sausages, toast, rosti, the whole nine yards! I sorely missed breakfast in my work schedule. On most days, I would grab a coffee and Nutella sandwiches (the culprit!); a breakfast that is neither nutritious, nor hearty. If only I had given Chia Pudding a try earlier…

When I was little, my mum would occasionally whip up rose milk post our afternoon nap for my brother and I. My brother would insist that she top it with sabja seeds (basil seeds) which have a similar texture to Chia when soaked in water. For the life of me, I couldn’t come to like those bloomed, slimy seeds. It was like eating bubbles, only with a hard centre! While my 10-year-old self would have cringed at the thought, this 23-year-old self is LOVING that very same texture!

Though I’m late to the Chia lovers party, I’m here to stay. Yeap, bring out the milk and berries people, we’re about to party till the sun comes up and our Chia seeds have bloomed, and turned pudding-y from having been left soaking in the refrigerator all night! 😛

Here’s what you need:

• Chia Seeds – 1/4 cup
• Greek Yogurt – 1 cup
• Milk – 1/2 cup
• Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
• Honey – 3 tbsp
• Fresh Cherries – 1/2 cup, pitted and sliced

Here’s how you make this super simple and healthy Cherry Chia Pudding:

• In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, milk, honey, vanilla extract and Chia seeds. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• The next morning, pull the Chia pudding out of the refrigerator, divide it into two serving bowls or parfait glasses and top with chopped cherries and a drizzle of honey! Eat up!

I know you’ve heard about the numerous health benefits of Chia seeds a million times over. They are rich in antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, iron, calcium and more. This makes them perfect for breakfast. Or even dessert. Or a mid-morning snack. Or a midnight snack?! 😛

This Cherry Chia Pudding was amazing! I like to start my mornings on a sweet note, so it definitely ticked that box. I’ve found that when I start my day with a Chia Pudding, my body is genuinely well-fueled. And the cherries on top bring that zing that I love so much! The recipe above is a great base pudding. Of course, you can put your own spin on it – add different flavour extracts, some cocoa for a Chocolate Chia Pudding, lots of berries, bananas, summer fruits, granola to top it off. The possibilities are endless! Just pop on whatever makes you happy for a vibrant, colourful morning! 😀

So this weekend, if you’re not feeling up to cooking an elaborate breakfast, this Cherry Chia Pudding is just what you need. Put it together the night before and wake up to a gorgeous viscous pudding that you will leave you slurping with a big smile on your face! 🙂

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