Cooking with Chia Seeds: Recipes to Try at Home

Chia seeds are all the rage right now, and it's not hard to see why. These tiny, tasteless (not in a negative sense) seeds are high in fibre, antioxidants, and Omega-3 fatty acids, and they're low in calories. Just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds will fill you up with 10 grams of fibre and only 80 calories!

The nutritional benefits of chia seeds don't stop there... according to Healthline, chia seeds can help keep blood sugar levels steady, which helps to prevent mood swings, energy dips, and health problems including diabetes.

What are Chia Seeds?

Native to Mexico and Guatemala, Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that come from the Salvia Hispanica plant. The seeds were an important part of Aztec and Mayan cuisine, and they've recently gained popularity as a superfood, or should I say super seed!

What are the Health Benefits of Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse. They're an excellent source of fibre, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, they're high in antioxidants and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and manganese. And if that wasn't enough, they also have anti-inflammatory properties. All of these health benefits make chia seeds a great addition to any diet.

How do you use Chia Seeds in Recipes?

You can use chia seeds in various recipes from sweet to savoury and everything in between. You can easily make some delicious wholewheat pancakes with berries and coconut, start your day off right with a refreshing blueberry smoothie, and try out a recipe for raspberry oatmeal bars, or go full-on vegan and start cooking with chia eggs! Here are a few ideas to get you started!

Fruity Popsicles (Lolly Ices) with Chia Seeds Recipe

These fruity popsicles are a refreshing and healthy treat on a hot summer day. They're also effortless to make!

To make these popsicles, all you'll need is:

1 cup of your favorite fruits (I used strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries).
1/4 cup of chia seeds
1/2 cup of water

Simply blend your favourite fruits with the water and chia seeds, and freeze in some lolly ice molds.

Wholewheat Pancakes with Berries and Coconut Flakes Recipe

Kickstart your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast! These whole wheat pancakes are made with chia seeds, so they're packed with protein and fibre.

For the recipe, mix the following ingredients in a bowl:

1 egg,
1 cup of buttermilk or yogurt,
3 tablespoons of sugar or honey,
2 tsp chia seeds
3 cups of whole-wheat flour (all-purpose flour will also work).

The batter should be thick enough that it won't spill over the edges when poured on the griddle. Heat 2 tablespoons of melted butter or oil, and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Top them with fresh berries and coconut flakes for a really decadent treat.

Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

Bring your breakfast to life with this protein-packed smoothie. It's easy to make and only takes a few minutes. Simply combine chia seeds, blueberries, almond milk, and honey in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour it into a glass and enjoy, it's fresh, light, and satisfying.

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast bar packed with chia seeds, raspberries, and oats. This recipe is easy to make ahead of time and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Simply mix the ingredients (3 cups of oats, 2 tsp chia seeds, 1 cup of fresh raspberries, and some honey to sweeten according to your taste), bake in a pan on gas mark 4 for 20 minutes, allow to cool, cut into bars and enjoy as a quick and easy breakfast on the go that will keep you feeling full all morning long.

Vegan Egg-Free Recipe Idea - What is a Chia Egg?

Recipes that use a chia egg are perfect for anyone who is on an egg-free or dairy-free diet. By simply combining 1 tbsp of ground chia seeds with 2 and 1/2 tbsp water, you can use the resulting viscous mixture as an egg substitute in free-from recipes and vegan baking.

After you have tried making cookies, waffles, bread, and beyond with this handy chia egg tip, you might want to have a go at cooking with a flax egg next!