Overnight Chai Seed Pudding & A Little Confession...

I've got a confession to make. I said that everything on this blog will be available from the supermarket.. yes, this is true apart from one tiny weeny ingredient, chai seeds. Until recently, I didn't even know they existed, but I must confess that I try to have them as part of my diet every day now! They are the one superfood I highly recommend you add to your food cabinet ASAP and I will explain to you in 6 bullet points why they're so amazing..

• They're a great source of cell-strengthening omega-3 fatty acids that reduce skin inflammation and protect the skin from sun damage. 
• The omega-3 fatty acids keep your heart healthy, lower blood cholesterol and pressure, which work to reduce your risk of cardiovascular and heart disease. 
• Just two tablespoons of these little gems give you an amazing 10g of fibre which is almost half of your daily dietary requirements. Fibre keeps you feeling fuller for longer and will make you excrete waste of toxins and waste from the body more often. 
• Chai seeds ability to keep you feeling full and to stop unhealthy cravings is possible because they can absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid once eaten, which is incredible!
• Chai seeds are a complete protein. So what is a 'complete protein?' It's a source of protein that contains all of the nine essential amino acids necessary for our dietary needs. 
• B E Y O N C É eats chai seed puddings…need I say more?

They also reduce depression levels, improve cognitive function and promote healthy skin, hair and nails making you happier, smarter and prettier - simply marvellous.  If that can't tempt you to get these bad boys then nothing will! They're not overly expensive as I bought 450g of the unprocessed seeds  from Whole Foods Market on Kensington High Street for £9.99 and I'm sure that if you hunt around online, you'll find them for cheaper.

I mentioned above that they can absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid once eaten. Therefore, when you put them in water or milk, they expand to form a gel-like texture. I have to admit, when I made this recipe for the first time, I thought it looked a little like frogs spawn. Sorry, I probably am making it sound really unappetising BUT I'm just being honest with you. Regardless of its bazaar look, it's extremely good and the perfect way to add chai seeds to your diet.

This recipe is arguably the simplest breakfast or pudding to make in the world. It's nothing more than chai seeds, milk, banana, cinnamon, vanilla extract and (optional) oats all mixed up. 

Serves 1 

3 dessert spoons of chai seeds

1 ripe banana

1 dessert spoon of oats (optional)

1 level teaspoon of cinnamon

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/4 cup of milk (normal, almond, coconut)

1/4 cup of water

Toppings

Fresh fruit - banana, blueberries, strawberries

Cinnamon

Yoghurt

Desiccated coconut

Maple Syrup

Pistachios 

Method

- Mash up the banana with a fork in a medium sized breakfast bowl. Stir in all of the other ingredients, cover with cling film and leave in the refrigerator over night or for at least 4 hours. 

- Apply desired toppings and enjoy!