Matcha Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are such a great source of nutrition, and matcha has great benefits as well.

Chia seeds are richest whole food source of Omega-3 (ALA), which is great for vegetarians! Many sources of these fatty acids come from fish, so it is good to focus on finding whole food sources of Omega-3s in your vegetarian diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids, essential nutrients found in foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, offer numerous health benefits. They play a crucial role in maintaining heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the risk of heart disease. Omega-3s also support brain function, improving cognitive performance and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, they contribute to mental health by alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. These fatty acids are also beneficial for eye health, supporting vision and reducing the risk of macular degeneration.

This is an easy recipe that you can get the benefits of chia and matcha, plus it is a yummy snack or breakfast.

Ingredients

1/3 cup chia seeds
2 cups milk (regular milk, coconut milk, almond milk – whichever you prefer)
1-2 teaspoons matcha powder
Optional: Vanilla extract
Optional: Sweetener of your choice – the amount will depend on what kind of milk and cocoa powder you use (sweetened or unsweetened).   I recommended sweetening to taste, which you can do even after your pudding is ready.
Optional toppings: Fruit, nuts, shredded coconut, etc

Directions

I like to use a glass jar, like a mason / Ball ja to prepare the pudding.

Whisk the milk and matcha powder, then combine all the ingredients (including your optional vanilla extract and sweetener if you choose to include them). 

I don’t measure out the vanilla or sweetener, so add it to taste – plus you can always add more afterwards once you taste test your pudding.

Be sure to mix the ingredients carefully, because I did notice spots where my chia seeds had soaked up the sweetener.

Using a Mason jar works quite well, because I like to shake the ingredients every few minutes or so in the beginning.  Otherwise you will notice the chia seeds clumping up in the bottom of the jar.

Allow to sit for a couple hours or overnight.  It only takes a few minutes to mix the ingredients, so you can make it right before bed and it will be ready in the morning. 

If you can remember, mix at intervals every so often just to help break up some of the chunks that can form.