Salted Caramel Chia Pudding is the Healthiest Way to Indulge

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Three cheers for chia!

The little seeds (which are actually part of the mint family!) may have been confused with “chai” in the early days, but are now holding their own in the food stakes.

With the ability to absorb 12 times their weight in liquid and releasing a gel-like consistency, chia seeds are perfect for puddings — especially when you’re trying to stay on the more health-conscious side but not give up delicious desserts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp organic maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 16 pitted dates
• 6 tbsp warm water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp caramelised almonds

Method

  1. Combine milk, syrup, vanilla, and salt together in a bowl. Stir in chia seeds and pour into two separate bowls / cups / jars.
  2. Place in refrigerator for at least two hours, or preferably overnight.
  3. To make the date caramel, combine dates, water, vanilla, and oil together and a blender and blend until mixture forms a caramel-like consistency.
  4. Pour caramel into a bowl and add almonds. Stir together and distribute evenly over chia pudding.