How to use chia seeds

Chia seeds have gained lot of popularity in recent time because of their high nutritional value. Consuming these seeds will make you feel fuller which makes it an exciting diet to follow. Here are some ways on how to consume or eat chia seeds.

1. Chia pudding

1.1 How to make chia pudding.

• Mix 3-4 tablespoons of chia seeds with a milk of your choice (such as almond milk, coconut milk, or regular milk).

• Add sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or vanilla extract to taste.

• Stir well and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight until it thickens, creating a delicious and nutritious chia pudding.

You can also top it with your favorite fruit like strawberries, mango and blur berries. For making a chocolate chia pudding you can stir cocoa powder in milk of your choice. For added flavors you can add chunks of dates in your chia pudding. People often keep chia pudding in a refrigerator overnight to consume it as a breakfast.

2. Smoothies

Another way on how to use chia seeds is by mixing chia seeds in your smoothies. First add a tablespoon or two of chia seeds to your favorite smoothie recipes.

• Wait for a few minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb liquid and create a thicker texture.

3. Oatmeal chia seeds

Combining chia seeds with oat meal is another fantastic option. As both combined together make a nutritious and healthy breakfast. Preparing a meal out of chia seeds and oat meal is quite simple as you would need.

3.1 Ingredients

• 1 table spoon of chia seeds.
• 2 cup of oats.
• 1 cup of almond or milk of your choice.
• 1 table spoon of honey or pure maple syrup.

3.2 Instructions

• Stir maple syrup and milk together in a large bowl.
• After stirring add chia seeds, oats, some vanilla extract or cinnamon in bowl and stir evenly.
• Transfer the mixture to container.
• Cover the bowl with a lid and place the bowl in fridge overnight.
• In the morning you can add topping of your desired choice.4. Eggs replacement in recipe

Nutritional info

Calories 310Kcal | Protein 10g | Calcium 280mg | Iron 4mg | Fat 1g.

4. Egg-cellent Egg Substitute:

Creating a chia seed egg substitute is a straightforward and effective method for those seeking an egg alternative in baking or cooking, particularly in vegan or egg-free recipes. Follow these simple steps to make a chia seed egg:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 3 tablespoons of water

Instructions:

1. Measure Chia Seeds: Start by measuring 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. You can use white or black chia seeds; the choice is yours.
2. Grind or Leave Whole (Optional): Optionally, you can grind the chia seeds using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grinding helps release the natural oils, creating a gel-like consistency more quickly. However, leaving them whole works perfectly fine as well.
3. Combine Chia Seeds and Water: In a small bowl or cup, combine the chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir well to ensure the seeds are evenly distributed in the water.
4. Let it Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for at least 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens into a gel-like consistency. Stir the mixture a couple of times during this waiting period to prevent clumping.
5. Use as an Egg Substitute: Once the chia seed mixture has formed a gel, it’s ready to be used as an egg substitute in your recipe. One chia seed egg is equivalent to one regular egg in most recipes.

Tips:

• Ensure the chia seeds are well-mixed with water to prevent clumping.
• Adjust the waiting time if needed; a longer waiting period can result in a thicker gel.
• This egg substitute works well in recipes where the egg’s binding properties are crucial, such as in baking.
• Keep in mind that the chia seeds may add a slightly crunchy texture in recipes where eggs usually contribute to a smoother texture.

By following these steps, you can easily prepare a chia seed egg substitute to use in your favorite recipes, providing a plant-based and nutritious alternative to traditional eggs.

FAQ’s

Q1. Can i consume chia seeds without water?

Yes, you can eat chia seeds without water, but it’s important to be mindful of the quantity you consume. Chia seeds have a unique property – they can absorb liquid and swell to several times their original size, forming a gel-like consistency. This property can be harnessed to create chia pudding or to add thickness to smoothies and other dishes.

If you choose to eat chia seeds without water, it’s advisable to start with a small amount, such as a teaspoon or two, and be cautious about the potential for them to expand in your stomach. Eating dry chia seeds could potentially lead to discomfort if they absorb liquid from your digestive system, so it’s generally recommended to consume chia seeds with plenty of water or incorporate them into recipes where they can absorb liquid before being consumed.

Q2. Can I microwave chia seeds?

Microwaving chia seeds is generally not recommended if you intend to consume them in their dry state. When chia seeds are exposed to heat without sufficient liquid, they may become extremely dry and potentially lose some of their nutritional value. Moreover, microwaving dry chia seeds could result in an unpleasant texture.