I have been blessed with an enormous pile of beautiful Meyer lemons…my favorites! Meyer lemons are slightly sweeter than regular lemons, and have a bit of a floral note that dances around in your mouth. If you ever have the chance to get your hands on some of these, take it. This recipe is a quick and easy way to make a healthy sweet treat. You can use Meyers, or regular lemons if you want. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Chia seeds are literally a bunch of tiny little seed nutritional powerhouses… Packed with fiber, omega- 3s, protein, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and antioxidants. They support healthy digestion, control blood sugar, are good for heart health, increase bone strength, and aid in weight management by increasing the feeling of fullness. Adding chia seeds to your diet regularly can offer so many benefits. This tangy, vegan, zesty treat is a good place to start….and it is so easy to make, why wouldn’t you?
Ingredients:
- Juice of 2 large lemons (less if you are using regular lemons)
- Zest of 2 large lemons (less if you are using regular lemons)
- 1 3/4 cups coconut milk or milk of your choice…you could also use canned coconut milk for a thicker creamier pudding.
- 1 peeled ripe persimmon (optional…I add it as a natural sweetener, but it isn’t necessary)
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons, or more of honey, or sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, coconut sugar, date syrup, or stevia are some good options)
- ¼ teaspoon of turmeric for added color- optional
Pudding time…
Blend together the lemon juice, lemon zest, chia seeds, milk of your choice, sweetener of your choice, optional peeled persimmon, vanilla extract, and optional turmeric in a food processor, or a high-speed blender for 1-2 minutes. Taste, and adjust the sweetness, or add more lemon juice if needed. Pour the mixture into glass jars with lids, and place them in the fridge overnight, or for at least 2-3 hours. Serve with a dollop of coconut cream, plant-based yogurt, whipped cream, shredded coconut, and or lemon zest.
This recipe will keep for 4-5 days in fridge, which makes it great for meal prep. Make several jars that you can grab for a quick breakfast, or snack throughout the week. If you prefer a smoother pudding consistency, you can try grinding up the chia seeds before you add them to the recipe. This super tangy, and delicious chia pudding is thick, and creamy with so many health benefits…It’s the ultimate healthy dessert. Try it, and see for yourself. Wishing you good health, and good luck on all of your cooking adventures.
