7 Healthy Chia Recipes That Go Beyond Pudding

Youve probably heard a lot about chia in the past few years. The black, white, and gray edible seed of the Salvia hispanica plant, it seems like the superfood has quickly popped up everywhere, from smoothies and muffins to puddings and cookies. And according to Marcel Vigneron, celebrity chef and owner of WOLF and Tacos Lobos, it all makes sense when you consider chia was the Mayan word for strength.

Chia seeds can help to control hunger by expanding in your belly and keeping you full, says Nicolette Pace, a dietician, chef, and nutritionist. They are also packed with fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 [fatty acids]. Per Diana Stobo, creator of Truth Bar, chia is also considered a perfect protein with all 9 amino acids in its profile. That makes chia a great vegan option for those looking to get enough protein in their diet.

An easy way to sneak much-needed fiber and vitamins into your diet, there are also plenty of ways to incorporate chia seeds into your life: Theyre so small that you can put them on just about anything. You can sprinkle them in water, juice, or smoothies, or on top of salads. Bake them into bread or use them as an egg substitute if youre vegan. Ive even used them in risotto, Pace says.

Need further proof as to why you should be sneaking this superfood into your New Year, New You healthy eating habits? If its good enough for Meghan Markle, its good enough for usright? Check out 7 recipes packed with chia to get you started.

Chia Hummus with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Zaatar

Mama Chia

Chia and Middle Eastern herbs give an otherwise standard hummus recipe texture and an interesting pop of flavor in this Mamma Chia-created recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup white chia seeds
• 3/4 cup plus 1/4 cup purified water
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
• 8 sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried zaatar or chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 2 large cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the chia seeds, 3/4 cup water, and the lemon juice and let stand for about 20 minutes. (Makes 1 1/8 cups lemon-chia gel.)
2. Bring 1/4 cup water to a simmer.
3. Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a coffee mug or small heatproof bowl and add the water. Let stand for about 20 minutes. Place the lemon-chia gel, sun-dried tomatoes with water, chickpeas, tahini, zaatar, garlic, and salt in a food processor or blender. Cover and puree.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings. Chill until ready to serve.
5. To serve, spoon into a serving bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes 2 3/4 cups.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies with Chia Seeds

Diana Stobo

Chia is a cornerstone in all my sweet treatsI use it as a binder in my cookies, granolas, and cakes, and I also love making a variety of chia puddings, says Truth Bar creator Diana Stobo.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond meal
• 1/2 cup chia seeds, ground (measure before grinding)
• 16 ounces sweetened raw cacao nibs and/or dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup almonds, chopped
• 2 cups raw oat groats (soaked in water for 12 hours, then drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups coconut palm sugar
• 2/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

1. Mix almond meal, chia seeds, cacao nibs (and/or chocolate chips), and almonds together in a large bowl and set aside. In food processor fitted with s-blade, mix raw oat groats, coconut sugar, cinnamon, vanilla powder, and salt while slowly adding melted coconut oil. Process until creamy and smooth (there will still be texture from the oats).
2. Pour mixture over dry ingredients and mix thoroughly with thick spoon or spatula. Let set 5 minutes for batter to thicken.
3. Using a 1 1/8-inch cookie scoop, form heaping half domes of batter onto dehydrator trays lined with grid sheet and non-stick silicone sheets (like Paraflexx; if you have a round dehydrator, you can find 12-inch round silicone sheets that should fit). Dehydrate at 145 degrees for 2 hours. Reduce heat to 115 degrees and dehydrate for 4 hours.
4. Gently remove cookies from silicone sheets and place directly onto grid sheet. Dehydrate at 115 degrees for an additional 12 hours.
5. Place in airtight container (may refrigerate). Keep up to 1 month. Makes about 50 cookies.

Dairy-Free Coconut Chia Pudding

Created by Cara Whiteman, a private chef on The Yacht Week, this recipe makes for a light, fuss-free breakfast or pick-me-up snack, especially when youre in vacation mode.

Ingredients:

• Roughly 2 cups chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• shaved coconut, to taste
• toppings of your choice (dates, berries, dried fruit, nut butter, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Mix chia seeds, honey, cinnamon, and shaved coconut together.
2. Top with dates, peanut butter, berries, or dried banana. Makes four servings.

La Cafettes Chia Bowl

La Cafette

The La Cafette menu is built around real foodhumanely-raised proteins, sustainably-sourced produce, and simple yet elegant takes on classic French dishes, like this easy-to-make chia bowl from Chef Aubry.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup almond, coconut, or cows milk
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Lime and lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon agave
• Fresh fruit (we use bananas, strawberries, and blueberries)

Instructions:

1. Combine the milk, chia seeds, honey, and vanilla extract in a small bowl; stir contents together.
2. Let mixture sit for 15-20 minutes.
3. Add agave, lemon and lime zest, and fresh fruit.

Tropical Chia Porridge

Marcel Vigneron

Mango, pineapple, and papaya mixed into this porridge from Chef Vigneronwhich is jam-packed with chiawill make you dream of being at the beach, or at the very least, inspire you to book your next vacation.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut nectar
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup dry chia seeds (white)
• 1 tablespoon maca powder
• pinch of sea salt
• sliced banana
• dried mango (small dice)
• dried pineapple (small dice)
• dried papaya (small dice)
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds
• 1 tablespoon passion fruit
• 3 tablespoons mixed berries

Instructions:

1. Warm the coconut milk with the maple syrup over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil.
2. Whisk in the maca, chia, dried fruit, and banana to the coconut milk. Stir at the beginning and midway through soaking to break up any clumps. Reduce the heat to simmer and stir over low heat until porridge thickens.
3. Rectify dish with salt accordingly.
4. Pour into a bowl and top with hemp seeds, passion fruit, and mixed berries.

Chia Seed Overnight Oats

Joseph Man

I love this recipe because it is super easy to make and healthy. You can make it the night the before because we all know how rush rush everyone can be in the morning, says Joseph Man, banquet chef at The Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup raw oats (do not use steel-cut)
• 2 cups almond milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (more if you prefer it sweeter)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients, give it a stir, and let set in fridge overnight.
2. Garnish with fruits of your choice (from dragon fruit to berries).
3. If it is too thick in the morning, just add a bit more almond milk.

Related Reading: 3 More Ways to Do Overnight Oats

Mole-Roasted Chicken with Chia

Green Chef

Chicken with veggies is a staple on most healthy eating plans, but the chia and mole in this Green Chef recipe give the otherwise standard dish a hearty, comfort food style that will keep your belly feeling full.

Ingredients:

• 2 (6-ounce) chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons hawaij spice blend (hawaij is a golden-hued spice blend featuring turmeric, cumin, and cardamom)
• 7 ounces sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup coconut flour blend
• 3/4 cup Mole coloradito sauce
• 1 3/4 ounces yellow bell pepper
• 3 1/2 ounces chard
• 1/4 cup pickled red onions
• 3 1/2 ounces cremini mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon chili seasoning
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 whole scallion
• 1/8 ounce garlic

Get the cooking instructions.

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