| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 327 | 18g | 4g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 15g | 10g | 0.09g |
When it comes to my Chocolate Chia Pudding, there’s something distinctly homey yet exotic about it. A fusion of elements that nods to my Southern roots while boldly embracing my West African heritage. You see, my love for this dish goes beyond its delectable melding of flavors—it’s a testament to my culinary journey and my pursuit of creating unique Afro-Southern fusion recipes.
Marrying Nutrition with Pleasure
What I’ve always appreciated most about the Chocolate Chia Pudding is its sublime paradox—combining the indulgence of cocoa with the powerhouse of nutrients that chia seeds offer. Chia seeds are recognized as a superfood, rich in fiber, proteins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Add to this an almond milk base, a touch of agave nectar, a burst of vanilla extract, and an array of vibrant fruits, and you’re looking at a seamlessly amalgamated powerhouse of health benefits that pleases the palate just as much as it nourishes the body.
The Magic of Texture and Color
Another fascinating aspect of my Chocolate Chia Pudding recipe is the mesmerizing interplay of textures and colors. You’ve got the deep brown of cocoa powder, the bold colors of bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, and the quietly delightful surprise of shredded coconut and dark chocolate chips. It’s a bit like a Mixed Berry Dutch Baby but with the added richness of chocolate and the fascinating texture of chia seeds. I feel like I’m painting a vibrant canvas every time I prepare this pastry.
This pudding could work wonderfully well as a dessert after a hearty Southern-style meal or an Afro-infused culinary exploration. For instance, one could pair it with Jollof rice or a Southern Chicken fried steak, delicately balancing the meal while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Now, every time I dive into a bowlful of this pudding, I am audience to a play—where health meets taste, texture dances with color, and my roots blend beautifully with my love for fusion cooking. This is what makes the Chocolate Chia Pudding a recipe that I absolutely adore!
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups almond milk
- 1 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Method
Step One
Firstly, take a large bowl. Pour in your 4 cups of almond milk. Add in your 1 cup of chia seeds. Stir well to ensure the chia seeds are well distributed and not clumped together.
Step Two
The next ingredient to add is your 1/2 cup of cocoa powder. Ensure it’s unsweetened for the healthier option. Mix it well with the almond milk and chia seeds.
Step Three
Now, let’s sweeten things up a bit. Pour in your 1/4 cup of agave nectar. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a flavor boost. Thoroughly combine all these ingredients until well dispersed.
Step Four
After you’ve mixed those ingredients together, set the mixture aside. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, give it another quick stir and cover it. You’ll now need to put the bowl in the fridge to chill. Leave it there for at least 3 hours, or up to overnight.
Step Five
Once the pudding has thoroughly chilled and set, take your bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. Make sure they’re washed, then slice the bananas and strawberries. You should leave the blueberries whole for a nice burst of flavor.
Step Six
Grab your bowl of pudding from the fridge. It should be thick now, with the chia seeds having absorbed the liquid. Now, it’s time to serve. Spoon some pudding into a bowl or glass.
Step Seven
Top your serving of pudding with the sliced bananas, strawberries, the whole blueberries, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, and a small handful of dark chocolate chips. Repeat this layering process until all the pudding is served.
Step Eight
Your Chocolate Chia Pudding is now ready to enjoy. It’s a great way to start your day or as a healthy dessert after any meal!
