Chia Seed Pudding with Jujube Dates
This is one of the simplest recipes ever! And it is great as breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Chia seeds are packed with nutrients such as omega-3s, fiber, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins B1 and B3. And because of its gelatinous quality when soaked for several hours, it is also smoothing for the gut.*
The other star ingredient in this recipe is jujube dates. How can a date go wrong with that adorable name, right? Well, actually, jujube date is not a date.
What is is?
Jujube fruit has been eaten and used in traditional medicine for over 3,000 years. There are multiple health benefits associated with this naturally sweet fruit including:
Helping with weight loss
Balancing your blood sugar levels
Alleviating constipation
Promoting better sleep
Jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba) is also known as the Chinese date, jujube, or red date. The plant is native to China and has been grown in the U.S. for more than 175 years. It is in the buckthorn family.
*(Because chia seeds do contain lectin, I do not recommend eating them raw. Soaking is the best way to enjoy them. And since they are also fiber-rich, do not eat more than 1-1/2 Tablespoons per day.)
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
3 Tablespoons raw chia seeds
1/2 cup coconut milk, full-fat
(You can also substitute with almond milk)
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/8 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 - 4 Jujube dates, seeded and chopped
5 - 6 raw walnuts, chopped
1 Tablespoon cacao nibs
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I encourage you to try this without adding in any sweeteners, as the Jujube dates' natural flavors, spices, and coconut milk provides plenty of sweetness.
However, if you want, you can add:
1 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup (optional) OR
1 teaspoon Lokanto Sweetener if you want to make it sugar-free
1. Place the chia seeds in a small glass jar or container and pour the liquids in. Mix well.
2. Add in the spices and vanilla. Stir gently.
3. Cover the mixture and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
(The seeds will swell and thicken.)
4. When ready, top with the Jujube dates, walnuts, and cacao nibs.
5. Enjoy!
Here’s where to find organic dried jujube dates:
Just Jujubes