Chia Seed Recipes

The benefits of eating chia seeds
When you add chia seeds to your diet, you will soon begin to see the results. They are a true superfood, a powerhouse of nutrition.  Most people soon notice an increase in energy, clearer thinking and a calmer, happier mood. The high fiber content aids regularity in a natural, gentle way.
After a couple of months  you should notice clearer skin and more glossy hair, a result, I believe, of the high omega 3 content of the seeds. Because chia seeds digest slowly they make you feel fuller longer which can be an aid to weight loss.  I added chia seeds to some of my recipes not long ago and can see a small positive affect that they have.  Start with adding in a small amount no more then a tablespoon a day. In addition, chia seeds are a good source of antioxidants, calcium, fiber, protein, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

What do chia seeds taste like?

Chia seeds have a slightly nutty flavor when eaten on their own.  When incorporated into a recipe they do not have a noticeable taste. When chia seeds come into contact with the moisture in a recipe, be it a pudding, soup, cookie or smoothie they absorb that moisture and take on the flavor of what they are put into.   Just keep in mind when adding in chia seeds they absorb liquid so take that in to account.  This makes them a wonderful healthy addition to any recipe, whether sweet or savory.  I'm not a coffee drinker but know of a few individuals that enjoy adding it to their morning coffee.  Adding chia seeds to your peanut butter and then spread on an apple for an afternoon snack. 

Chocolate Pudding

13 oz. can of  light coconut milk(or almond milk)
1 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds
1 Tablespoon of coco
1 Tablespoons of Agave
2 Tablespoons of un sweetened coconut

Directions: Mix all ingredients in blender for 1 minute and the refrigerate for 5 hours before eating.

Blueberry Pudding

1 1/2 cup of almond milk
1 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds
1/4 cup of Blueberries
1 teaspoon of vanilla
sprinkle of cinnamon
1 Tablespoon of maple syrup

Directions: Mix all ingredients in blender for 1 minute and the refrigerate for 5 hours before eating.



Pumpkin Delight Muffins

Ingredients:

Chia Gel:

3 Tablespoons Chia seeds in 9 Tablespoons Water - set aside for 15 minutes until they gel.

1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin

2 ripe mashed bananas

1/2 cup egg whites
1/2 cup unsweetened olive oil or 1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup pure maple syrup
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups whole grain flour
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350°.

Mix the first 6 ingredients together in a bowl(add in gel after being prepared). In a separate bowl, mix then next 6 ingredients.

Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and spoon into paper-lined muffin or greased muffin tins. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a muffin comes out clean. Store completely cooled muffins in sealable plastic bags in the freezer.

Salmon Burgers

Ingredients:

16 oz. of salmon (uncooked)

1/2 cup of oatmeal (place in food processor and blend for 30 seconds)
2egg whites
1/4 teaspoon of Curry
1/4 teaspoon of parsley
1 Teaspoon of Chia Seeds

Directions:
Mix all ingredients well and form small patties.  Take a nonstick pan and place 1 tablespoon of olive oil in it and turn the heat to medium.  Once oil is warm place patties in pan and cook on each side for 3-4 minutes depending on thickness.  Cook until the internal  temperature reaches 155 degrees.

The ideas and recipes are endless with this superfood, what are some of your favorite recipes?