Sep 28, 2020 Jun 29, 2024 by [Archana Potdar] · This post may contain affiliate links · 45 Comments

Saffron and Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Name: Saffron and Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Ingredients: 3 tbsp chia seeds; 1 cups milk; 1 tsp saffron; 1 apple (diced); ¼ cup sugar; 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder; pistachios (chopped); saffron

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Saffron and Chia Seed Pudding is our new favourite, especially when we need breakfast on the go. It is versatile, easy to make, quick, healthy, tasty, packed with nutrients and, best of all, delicious. This pudding doubles up as a healthy breakfast, a creamy dessert or a snack that does not settle on my hips!

Healthy breakfast Saffron and Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

I want to eat chia seeds because I want to include as many superfoods as possible in my diet. Follow our stepwise instructions and begin your day deliciously and with energy. I added apple and cinnamon to saffron-flavoured milk to make this yummy make-ahead glass of pudding. You can make it dairy-free, vegan, or gluten-free. I have listed other flavours; try them, too.

Have you tried my seeds and nuts-loaded energy bars, granola, Seven Layer Magic bars

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Why Chia Seeds?
Ingredients for Saffron Chia Seed Pudding
Substitutes
Variations
Protips
FAQ's for Chia Seed Pudding
Related Recipes
Saffron and Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Why Chia Seeds?

Generally, I focus on local produce and ingredients, but I will still try something new and healthy worldwide. Chia seeds are a great source of fibre and protein and have well-documented health benefits.

These small wonders are high in protein, omega-3 oils, and antioxidants. They also have a lot of fibre, keeping you satisfied. They absorb liquids and form gel-like, making the pudding creamy and delicious.

If this is not your breaking point, making the pudding is one of the easiest recipes. You only need chia seeds, milk, sweeteners, fruits and nuts.

Ingredients for Saffron Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds: I have used black chia seeds. I believe you get white, grey and brown too. Use any you have at hand.
Milk: I used regular milk 6% fat.
Saffron: I have used saffron as my flavour.
Apples: I used delicious apples to make the compote. Check the variations for more yummy flavours.
Sweetener: Easy peasy sugar that is always 412 on the counter. Check for the substitute below.
Cinnamon: I have used cinnamon as I had the overpowering urge to mimic Thanksgiving flavours, but with saffron, even cardamom is good. Try it!

How to make Pudding with Chia Seeds?

Soak saffron in warm milk.
Stir in and soak chia seeds and sweeteners.
Stir again after 10-15 minutes and break up clumps.
Cover the container and refrigerate for atleast 2 hours.
Once set, top your pudding with your favourite fruits, nuts, or granola.

Toppings:

Today, since I wanted just a Fall feeling, I used apples and cinnamon.
I garnished it with a few pistachios and saffron strands. You can use any fruit or brittle. Next time, I will use this chikki.

Easy Steps and important Saffron and Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Substitutes

Milk: Use Plant-based milk like almond, soy, or coconut in place of dairy milk.
Saffron: You can also use cardamom, vanilla, rose, or other flavouring.
Fruits: Try strawberries, blueberries, banana, chocolate.
Sweetener: Try honey or maple syrup in place of sugar. For a rustic taste, I will add jaggery powder with cardamon.

Variations

Here are some delicious variations

Use plain milk to make these flavours.
- When soaking the seeds, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- One of my friends tried it with chocolate protein powder and liked it a lot. Top it up with chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
- A coffee lover like me will add coffee to the pudding. Topped with some chocolate chips, I am in a mocha heaven.
Add diced pineapple, mango, and shredded coconut for a tropical feel. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and toasted sesame seeds.
Strawberries taste good, so try adding blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
I loved the trail mix or granola mixed in the pudding.
Stir peanut butter into the pudding; you will love the extra creamy and nutty flavour. Top the bowl with sliced banana and nuts.
Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and a tablespoon of pureed pumpkin for a flavourful treat. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, cream cheese, or Greek yoghurt.

Protips

If you are using apples like me, then sweet apples are used.
Stir the pudding for about 10 minutes to prevent pudding from clumping.
If the pudding looks thick or thin at first, you can adjust the thickness or thinness later by adding more milk or chia seeds as needed. Let it sit at first.
The pudding should be rested in the fridge for at least 3 hours. I loved it for breakfast in the morning.
Any seasonal fruits, berries, grapes, or pomegranates will taste fantastic.
If you want it Vegan, use any plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat.
If you wish to have a gut-healthy pudding, do use Kefir. In my case, it will be buttermilk.
If your kid baulks at the sight of the pudding or texture, run it in a blender.

FAQ's for Chia Seed Pudding

How long should I soak the chia seeds in milk/ liquid?

I recommend soaking them for 3 hours, but if you cannot wait, then 20 minutes is fine.

What is the amount of liquid needed to make the pudding?

I use 1 cup liquid for 3 tablespoons of chia seeds. The liquid can be regular dairy milk, nut or oat milk. Plain water is also fine.

My chia seed pudding has clumped. Why? And how do I avoid it?

Chai seeds love water or liquids. They absorb quite a bit of any liquid, and you soak them in. Stir the pudding with a whisk after 10 minutes.

So you tried making the Chia seed pudding, which is not thickening?

The liquid and seed ratios are off if the pudding is not thickening. Add more chia seeds, stir, and set it aside for at least 20 minutes.

Can I refrigerate chia seed pudding?

Yes, the taste is much better when refrigerated.

Can I soak and refrigerate the chia seeds I need for the week?

You can soak them for 5 days in one go. This process will take only 4-5 minutes. After 10 minutes, stir well and refrigerate.

How many Chia seeds are okay to eat?

Since chia seeds have fibre, do not overeat in one go. Also, why try to stuff too much in one day? Pace it to 1.5 tablespoons per day, which is more than enough. This way, you will enjoy the pudding.

Summary: The Saffron and Chia Seed Pudding Recipe is a delicious and simple make-ahead breakfast dish. Serve it as a snack or as a dessert. Include chia seeds in your diet for their health benefits and don't skip breakfast!

A request do try this recipe and tag me either

add a comment below,
tag me as #themadscientistskitchen on Instagram
or tag me on Twitter as @APotdar

I made this pudding as part of Foodie Monday Bloghop group. Mayuri suggested the theme #266Exotic Saffron. I want try her Chilli Avacado Chocolate Cake and Apple Kheer.

This is an old post that I am updating with newer pictures and a write-up as a part of the group Foodies_RedoingOld Post.