As I mentioned last month, I’ve been experimenting with some new breakfast ideas lately. This week, I decided to try eating chia seeds for breakfast. I’m sure you’ve heard of the superfood properties of chia seeds: they are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and a range of minerals including calcium. Chia seeds are also gluten-free and GAPS-legal, making them a great grain-free breakfast option.
To make the chia seed porridge, the chia seeds are simply mixed with coconut milk (or almond if you prefer) and a vanilla bean, and left to plump up in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just remove the vanilla bean and give the porridge a good stir.
The porridge heats up in just a couple of minutes on the stovetop. I enjoyed mine with some sliced banana, honey, and chopped roasted hazelnuts.
I also enjoyed eating it cold with some sliced mango.
It has more of a pudding-like texture when eaten cold. I think it will make a fantastic breakfast in the summer months topped with some sweet and juicy fresh berries.
I am also testing a “to go” version, perfect for office workers or teens with early morning sports training. I made a quarter recipe of the porridge in a jam jar, then added bananas, honey, nuts and mango.
I am also planning to use chia seeds in some muffins I am working on, so watch this space.
Overnight chia seed porridge
1 400 ml can of coconut milk (or same quantity almond milk)
50 g chia seeds (I used white but black is fine too)
1 whole vanilla bean
optional toppings – any fruit, nut, seed, honey, maple syrup, etc
Serves 4 – portions may look small but the porridge is very filling
Combine the coconut milk and chia seeds in a jar with a lid or other closed container.
Slice the vanilla bean in half length-wise. Scrape out the seeds and add to the mixture, then add the pods as well.
Stir, or better yet close the jar and give it a good shake. Refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, remove the vanilla bean and stir well. Heat up in a pan on the hob or eat cold as is, with whatever toppings you fancy.
Brain Food 