As I have often mentioned here on the blog and on social media, recently very popular among those who love a healthy and filling breakfast, is the chia pudding, a sort of creamy pudding originating from Central America based precisely on chia seeds! These little dark seeds are rich in essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6, fiber, and minerals. Naturally, their daily consumption represents a valid choice for a super nutritious and genuine breakfast. Moreover, for those who are always in a hurry, it is ideal because it requires no cooking, just soaking the seeds in any liquid for at least 30 minutes. However, if you prepare it the night before, it will be even better! Today I propose a very particular version based on dates, which will be the natural sweetener of this preparation, and cinnamon. And to make it more delicious, I added dark chocolate chips that can improve mood and concentration, offering an energy boost during your day! Try it for breakfast, as a dessert at the end of a meal in times of greater need to consume something sweet, or as a healthy snack! You will fall in love with it!
If you like to vary and are attentive to what you eat from the first meal of the day, also try these fantastic alternatives:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2 people
- Cooking methods: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, and Spring
Ingredients
- 1 cup soy milk
- 6 dates
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/3 cup whole grain rolled oats
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt 2% fat
- 2 tbsp 85% dark chocolate
- to taste ground cinnamon
- 2 dates
Tools
⚠ THIS RECIPE CONTAINS ONE OR MORE AFFILIATE LINKS. The products I recommend are the ones I use in my recipes; purchasing them through my blog helps support me and my work, while it won’t cost you anything extra!
- 1 Blender
- 1 Knife
- 2 Jars
- 1 Small pot
Steps
Start by cutting open the dates with a central incision using a knife.
Remove the seeds inside and proceed in the same way for all others.
Transfer the dates into a blender along with the chia seeds.
Pour the soy beverage previously warmed.
Finally, add the rolled oats and blend repeatedly.
You should obtain a still liquid but smooth and homogeneous mixture. Close the blender lid and place your chia pudding base in the fridge for 30′ or if you prefer all night.
After the resting time, you will have obtained a pudding-like consistency. Transfer the chia pudding into two jars, add the Greek yogurt, half for each jar, and sprinkle with cinnamon to taste.
Finally, complete by adding a previously pitted date on the surface of each jar.
Before serving, also add dark chocolate chips chopped with a knife.
And voila… the date and cinnamon chia pudding is ready to be enjoyed!
Bon Appétit from La Cucina di FeFè!
Storage
👉 Date and cinnamon chia pudding can be stored in the fridge for about 3 days in glass jars with a lid.
Tips, Notes, Variations, and Suggestions
🟣 *Soaking chia seeds is always mandatory, because they have a high liquid absorption capacity. If ingested without prior soaking, they could cause dehydration as they would absorb water directly from our body; plus, soaking them makes them easier to digest, also increasing the availability of their nutrients. In fact, chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, and soaking can help release these nutrients, making them more easily absorbable by the body. If the next day you notice the seeds have settled all at the bottom and it seems that the milk has not been fully absorbed, don’t worry, just stir vigorously for a minute and let the seeds absorb the remaining liquid part. Therefore, I recommend stirring them from time to time during the first 30′ before putting them in the fridge.
🟣You can vary the chia pudding every morning by adding chopped chocolate, nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts), or cereals!
🟣You can substitute soy milk with oat milk, quinoa beverage, spelt beverage, with some fruit juice of your choice, or plain water; Greek yogurt can be replaced with simple plain yogurt, etc.
🟣Instead of dates, try dried prunes or cooked or raw pear cubes.
🟣Use old jars you have at home, maybe recycling those from jams and yogurts you have already consumed, a choice that is also totally green, and you’ll be doing the planet good!
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can this preparation be made in a vegan version?
Certainly! Just replace the Greek or regular white yogurt with the same amount of plant-based white yogurt (like Valsoia or Sojasun)
