Blueberry Lemon Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Chia Seeds Whole seeds, not ground.
- 2 cup Milk (Almond or Dairy) / Unsweetened vanilla almond milk works great.
- 2-3 tbsp Maple Syrup (or Honey) Adjust to desired sweetness.
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Zest from 1 medium lemon.
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries If using frozen, thaw slightly before mixing.
Instructions
- Prepare the Puree: In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, lemon juice, zest, and water. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until berries burst. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. For an ultra-smooth pudding, blend the cooled mixture. You should have about $1/2$ cup of puree.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl or jar, whisk together the almond milk, the $1/2$ cup of cooled blueberry puree, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully blended.
- Incorporate Chia Seeds: Add the chia seeds to the mixture. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds. This is the first critical step to prevent clumping.
- The Second Whisk: Wait 5 minutes, then whisk the mixture thoroughly one more time. This ensures all the seeds are suspended and beginning to absorb the liquid evenly.
- Chill: Cover the bowl/jar and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the pudding has thickened to a gelatinous consistency.
- Serve: Stir the pudding before serving. Garnish with fresh blueberries, a thin lemon slice, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
Notes
Genius Tip
Whisk the mixture aggressively for 30 seconds, then wait 5 minutes and whisk it again. This prevents the chia seeds from clumping at the bottom, guaranteeing a smooth, uniform pudding.Pro Meal Prep Tips
- Layering: If you are prepping more than two days ahead, keep the blueberries out of the main pudding mixture. Add a layer of fresh berries or granola right before eating to maintain the best crunch and texture.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the pudding is too thick the next day, simply add a splash more milk and stir until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Flavor Variations: Swap the blueberries and lemon for a mix of cocoa powder and peppermint extract for a chocolate mint version, or canned pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a fall flavor.