Lately, I have been eating pudding for breakfast, snacks, and dessert, anytime I get the urge. And I have absolutely no guilt about it, because this pudding is homemade, super simple to make, and is actually healthy. How? It is made with almond milk and chia seeds. That’s about it. And it is absolutely fantastic.
Chia seeds (yes, like the Chia pet) are one of the most versatile superfoods around. They can be used in smoothies, sprinkled on yogurts, baked into granola, and even made into pudding. Chia seeds are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, the good, essential fats that help your brain function better and your body work efficiently. They are also super hydrating, and expand when added into liquid, soaking up all the liquid and forming a thick gel-like dish. With water, this is a fantastic way to make a chia-egg for vegan baking, but it is also a super simple way to make a healthy pudding, by adding a little creamy non-dairy milk.
Despite being simple to make and delicious, there are a few drawbacks. One problem is the wait time. You have to wait an hour or more for your chia seeds to soak up the liquid, so if you are hungry now, it won;t help you out. Another drawback I’ve found with these hydrating little seeds is the gooey texture once they’ve soaked up liquid. They get a bit slimy, and, in my opinion, make a less than appetizing dish. In fact, traditional chia pudding isn’t much of a pudding in my book.
Rather than wait an hour or eat a slimy dish, you can make smooth, creamy chia pudding in under 2 minutes. All you have to do is blend it together in your blender or food processor. Simply add the ingredients in and blend them together. They’ll soak up the liquid and thicken up into a simple, smooth pudding-like snack. 
Here is my favorite, go-to pudding recipe I can “dress” up however I feel:
Simple, Not Slimy, Chia Seed Pudding
Makes about 3 servings.
2 cups vanilla, unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup chia seeds
4 dates, pitted
fresh berries and fruits for topping
Blend together liquids, chia seeds and dates, until thick and creamy. Scoop your desired portion into a bowl and top with fresh berries, dark chocolate, dates, or nuts. Store the additional chia pudding in your refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy for breakfast, snacks, and dessert. I do!
