Baby, it’s cold outside! We are spending a blustery, frigid winter in Indiana after five in sunny, mild ones New Mexico. It’s a beautiful time of year but also quite a change.
Tired of the same afternoon Mexican hot cocoa, today I opt for a nourishing (yet gratifying) chocolate chia pudding. A pinch of sweet, earthy cinnamon creates that South of the Border aroma I crave. This treat cures any intense hankering for chocolate and is miraculously (okay, strategically) good for you, too. It’s a satisfying and “clean-eating” dessert or breakfast that’s the right amount of indulgence and wholesomeness.
The brand of almond milk I enjoy comes in large cartons, and my kids prefer real, whole milk. Since we are a zero-food waste household (people, we even fry up delicious beet tops and add herbaceous fronds from fennel bulbs to salads), this recipe is a tasty and economical way to ensure precious almond milk is not wasted.
Alright, the white, pillowy snow and frigid temperatures outside are not forgotten, even with a bowl of rich, dark Mexican chocolate pudding. Rather, the salubrious bowl of chia seed wonder (wonder, because chia seeds are an amazing natural thickener!) is enjoyed in my warm, toasty living room as I gaze at the beautiful white, winter wonderland outside. Then, to make another batch for a sweet friend who gifts me delicious gluten-free goodies.
From the Midwest, a jubilant shout of ¡Olé! for all things chocolate.
Creamy Pudding Base. Chia Seed Chemistry to Come.
Thickening Chia Pudding Base. Magic. Will. Happen.
Blended & Chocolatey Chia Seed Pudding
Simple, Star Flavor Enhancers.
Reusing a Mason Jar from Tomato Sauce. Rustic Charm for Gratis.
Thick, Rich and Decadent Pudding. Unapologetically Chocolate Forward.
Any Excuse to Add Nutrition, Texture and Flavor. We love Nibs, a Super Food.
Please put your own spin on this recipe! Share your questions, ideas and creations in the comments section, below.
Mexican Chocolate Chia Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 5 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 5 Tablespoons unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
- 3-5 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- pinch of fine salt
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon finely ground cinnamon
- optional toppings: cocoa nibs, berries, coconut whipped cream, granola, etc.
Preparation:
- Stir together the almond milk and chia seeds in a medium-sized bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Allow to sit overnight, six to eight hours, in the refrigerator.
- The next day, place the chia-almond milk mixture, cocoa powder, maple syrup, salt and cinnamon in a good quality blender or food processor. Start with the minimum amount of sweetener and cinnamon. Blend until smooth.
- Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula and blend a bit more. Taste for seasoning; add a bit more sweetener and cinnamon if desired.
- Use the rubber spatula to transfer the blended pudding back into the same bowl, cover again with the plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
shannaward.com (2013-2016). Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without expressed and written permission from this blog’s author, Shanna Koenigsdorf Ward, and/or owner is strictly and completely prohibited.
Curls and carrots 
Yum!!!
Thank you… You would know! 🙂
I haven’t tried chocolate nibs yet, but I’m thinking I should! Do they taste bitter? Or do they just impart more chocolate flavor?
You can buy sweetened ones. Because of our diet (cooking at home, natural products), the bitter unsweetened ones are perfect. Try both and see what you think. Either way, great textural component. 🙂
Great recipe, Shanna, and a very well written post. I especially like it’s not cooked. And of course I agree on using everything.
Thanks, Stefan! Chia seeds are quite miraculous and great for you, too. 🙂
It used to be that we were too poor to let any food go to waste. But it’s become such a habit over the many years. I’ll use one carrot whether I juice it, grate it, chop it, or just pop it in my mouth. Such a smart way to cook and live, in any case. Great recipe!
Mimi, we are quite the same! It’s not about the money, but the principle. And, as you say, habits become ingrained! I remind my kids how lucky they are to have lots of good food to eat- especially when many do not.
Looks fantastic. Anything wig chocolate and cinnamon has to be delicious. Love the nibs, they go great in my steel cut oatmeal.
If you’re offering… 🙂