BOGO alert! Blitz One-Get One, I mean. This recipe evolved from a smoothie (very tasty) that had leftovers produced at the exact time I was thinking that I also wanted to make some chia puddings for breakfasts (or snacks!) for the week. Whatever possessed me to take the smoothie extras, and mix it with chia seeds for overnight chia puddings, all I can say is thank you for the divine inspiration! Not only did the smoothie make the creamiest chia puddings, but I also got what I haven't before in my overnight breakfast or snack recipes. Vegetables plus fruit; absolutely.
Sustainability Spotlight: Chia seeds can easily grow in a "wild" environment. That means, they do not require a lot (if any) chemical intervention to ensure positive output on their production. As a part of the mint family, chia seeds are naturally repellent for insect pests. These attributes are in large part why you can find abundant and economic options for organic chia seeds. Additionally, the plant from which the seeds are derived grows well in arid (low moisture) soils and takes limited irrigation as such to be fruitful. For your health, chia seeds pack a mighty punch in a small package. Full of fiber, protein, Omega-3 (good) fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it is no wonder that chia seeds are in the "superfood" category. However sustainable this crop may be intrinsically, the demand for this superfood has the potential to tip the balance on the logistics of supplying the global community with their use of the ingredient vs. the ability to supply the ingredient. As with all produce, ingredients, and food items, if we manage our "demand" with the impact to the environment, we can make the difference. I love chia seeds for their sustainability, health benefits and that a little goes a long way. Using less can equal more with chia!
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen riced cauliflower
6-8 large strawberries (hulled)
1 handful of fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh zucchini (skin on & chunked)
1 tsp fresh ginger (chopped)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (Garden of Life - Plant-based Sport)
1 ripe banana
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of salt
2.5 cups oat milk (Oatly)
6 tbsp chia seeds (divided into (3) 2 tbsp servings - see recipe)
For smoothie & chia seed pudding options: add all ingredients above (except chia seeds) into a high-speed blender. Start blender on low & in 10 second increments increase speed until high. Blend on high (or smoothie option if you have a Vitamix) for ~4-5 minutes (scraping down sides or using tamper as need) until smooth.
For smoothie option: Serve in (2) 6-oz glasses and garnish with a dusting of cinnamon and berries (as desired)
For chia pudding option: Add 2 tbsp of chia seeds each to (3) 6-oz ball / mason jars. Pour smoothie up to 6-oz line on each jar. Put lid on tightly for all jars and shake vigorously to suspend chia seeds. Place in fridge overnight.
Serve each chia seed pudding with extra blueberries and chopped strawberries along with additional chia seeds for texture.
With love & hope for a better future for all of us - Jamie