They may be tiny, but chia seeds pack a punch! They are one of nature’s superfoods and taste absolutely delicious in so many different dishes.
Chia seeds have a whopping eight times more Omega-3 than salmon, five times more calcium than milk and twice the potassium of bananas. They also expand in your stomach, making you feel full for longer. Now you know why I can’t drink a smoothie without adding a tablespoon or two of these babies!
Stay tuned for an upcoming Sal’s Kitchen post where I’ll be making a delicious chia seed pudding. In the meantime here are a few other fab recipes, using chia seeds:
Blackberry Chia Seed Jam (Makes 2 cups)
| Ingredients |
What to do |
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- 500g blackberries (I used frozen berries)
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (depending on how sweet you like your jam)’
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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- In a medium-sized pot, bring the blackberries to a low boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the berries soften, about 5 minutes. Lightly mash the blackberries with a potato masher or fork. Leave some berries in chunks for texture.
- Stir in the maple syrup and chia seeds. Cook the jam on low until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure you stir the jam so it doesn’t stick.
- Remove the jam from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let jam cool to room temperature. Pour in a glass jar or air-tight container and store in the refrigerator. The jam will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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*Recipe courtesy of Two Peas and their Pod
Acai Smoothie Bowl
| Ingredients |
What to do |
- 2 cups (250g) frozen blueberries
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup strawberries
- Handful baby spinach leaves (optional)’
- 1 tablespoon acai powder
- 1 tablespoon goji berries
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 serve protein powder
- 1 cup nut or seed milk, water or pure coconut water – depending on the consistency and taste you want
Topping:
- 2 handfuls fresh blueberries and strawberries for the top
- 1 banana, sliced
- Sprinkle of seeds and nuts or coconut flakes
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- Combine the frozen blueberries, banana, spinach, acai, protein, goji berries, chia and nut milk into a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy – adding a little more milk depending on the consistency you like.’
- Pour or spoon into 2 bowls (or mason jars).
- Garnish the tops with fresh berries, banana, nuts and seeds or coconut flakes.
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*Recipe adapted from The Healthy Chef
Spinach and Chia Seed Pancakes (Makes 4-6)
| Ingredients |
What to do |
- 1 cup spinach, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter/coconut oil for frying
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- Whisk the eggs until frothy, then add the coconut milk and mix well.
- Combine the dry ingredients and add to the egg mixture. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the spinach and blend well.
- Heat a frying pan with the butter/oil and spoon a few tablespoons of batter into the pan. Cook on each side until golden brown.
- When bubbles are coming through the batter, that’s the time to flip them over.
- That’s it! Eat and enjoy!
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*Recipe courtesy of Divalicious Recipes In The City
