Creamy Mango Chia Pudding

Creamy Mango Chia Pudding

This recipe creates a layered and flavorful mango chia pudding, perfect for a healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 15 minutes (plus at least 2 hours or overnight chilling time)

Ingredients:

For the Chia Seed Pudding Base:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, such as almond, coconut, or oat milk)
• 1 tablespoon sweetener (maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or sugar, adjust to your preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For the Mango Layers:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced (about 1 cup diced for blending, plus extra for layering)
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, same as above)
• 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice (enhances the mango flavor)
• 1 tablespoon sweetener (optional, adjust to the sweetness of your mango)

For Optional Toppings:

• Fresh mint leaves
• Extra diced mango
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, etc.)
• A sprinkle of chia seeds

Equipment:

• Two glasses or jars
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Blender or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chia Seed Pudding Base:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the chia seeds and milk.
• Add the sweetener, vanilla extract (if using), and salt.
• Whisk or stir well to ensure there are no clumps of chia seeds.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and create a thick, pudding-like consistency. Stir again after about 30 minutes to break up any clumps that may have formed.

2. Prepare the Mango Puree:

• Dice one ripe mango, reserving some extra for layering if desired.
• In a blender or using an immersion blender, combine about 1 cup of the diced mango with the 1/4 cup of milk and lime or lemon juice.
• Add the optional sweetener if your mango isn’t very sweet.
• Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or lime juice as needed.

3. Assemble the Mango Chia Pudding:

• Once the chia seed pudding has thickened, you can start layering in your glasses or jars.
• Begin by spooning a layer of chia seed pudding into the bottom of each glass.
• Next, add a layer of diced fresh mango pieces (if using).
• Pour a layer of the mango puree over the diced mango.
• Repeat these layers – chia seed pudding, diced mango, and mango puree – until the glasses are almost full. You can get creative with the layering pattern!

4. Chill and Serve:

• Cover the glasses and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set slightly and the flavors to meld.
• Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves, extra diced mango, toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of chia seeds, as desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust Sweetness: The amount of sweetener needed will depend on your personal preference and the sweetness of your mango and milk. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Different Milks: Experiment with different types of milk to find your favorite flavor and consistency. Coconut milk will lend a richer, tropical flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the chia seed pudding or mango puree for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Make it Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan if you use plant-based milk and a vegan sweetener.
• Add Yogurt: For an extra creamy texture, you can incorporate a layer of plain yogurt (dairy or non-dairy) into the pudding.
• Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like berries, pineapple, or passion fruit for different flavor combinations.

Enjoy your beautiful and healthy Mango Chia Pudding! Let me know if you have any other questions.