CARAMELIZED BANANA AND ROASTED WALNUT CHIA PUDDING
There is nothing I love more then easy desserts that can be done ahead of time with only a few finishing touches to put together before serving. This dessert is exactly that. I say dessert, but I would eat this for breakfast without hesitation.
The chia pudding can be whipped up in minutes up to a few days ahead and the caramelized bananas and roasted walnuts are the last minute finishing touches that bring this dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness.
And let’s not forget that there is nothing more satisfying than eating a dessert that is not only delectable on your taste buds but equally healthy for your body.
WINNER!
What makes this dessert so healthy…
This dessert packs an obvious nutritious punch with potassium loaded bananas, but did you know that bananas are also believed to help prevent asthma, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and digestive problems?
No wonder it is one of the world’s most consumed fruit.
But what really makes this dessert a winner is the chia.
Chia started getting popular years ago and have since been considered a nutrition power house.
But do you know what makes these little white or black pearls so precious to our health?
Benefits of chia seeds
You may think that it’s their high content of omega-3 fatty acids (18%) – essential fats that are important for heart health and brain function.
Or their outstanding gluten free fibre content (chia’s 34% fibre is higher than that of flaxseeds or sesame seeds, and works out to be about 10g in two tablespoons, which would make a significant contribution to the 25–30g it’s recommended we consume daily).
Or simply because they are an excellent source of protein and extremely high in calcium – at 631mg per 100g (five times the level in milk).
If you believe any or all of these reasons are what makes chia seeds such a superfood, you would be totally right. But you would be missing one of the most important reasons why chia seeds are so good for you: it’s gel like effect!
That’s right!
The power is in the gel
The fact that chia seeds turn into this thick gel when combined with any liquid is what makes them so incredibly good for your body.
Chia seeds are able to hold up to 12 times their weight in water and if soaked for over 30 minutes, will form a gel. When in your stomach, this gel reaction forms a barrier and slows down your digestion to create a sustained release of energy.
They also help detoxify your body. When they are completely digested, chia seeds swell and absorb toxins in the body and cleanse the digestive tract. Their detoxifying properties also help improve the health and appearance of your skin, nails, and hair.
And last but not least, chia seeds also allow the body to absorb all fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A, D, E and K.
Not bad for a tiny little pearl!
And so what better way to enjoy such health benefits than in a dessert.
The caramelized bananas and roasted walnuts add just the right amount of decadence to make you feel naughty without taking away all the great health benefits. And if you are really pressed for time, simply skip the roasting part and top with regular walnuts.
I promise, it is just as delicious!
This dessert is a huge hit in our family, and is 100% toddler approved.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
As always, I love hearing from you so leave me a comment and let me know how you enjoy eating chia seeds.
Love
Eloise
- 1/2 cup balck chia seeds
- 2 cups coconut milk (the one in a can. I use the full fat version for a creamier texture)
- 6 drops of liquid stevia
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium bananas
- 1 Tbs vegan butter (I use Earth Balance)
- 1 Tbs brown sugar
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- Preheat your oven at 375 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chia seeds, milk, liquid stevia and vanilla extract.
- Whisk together and set aside in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour but up to 2 days.
- Once your oven is preheated, spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 10 mins.
- Turn the walnuts after 5 minutes and check on them at the 8 minute mark to make sure they are roasting and not burning.
- In the meantime, cut your bananas in thick 1 inch slices.
- Set a saucepan on medium heat and melt the butter and brown sugar.
- Add the sliced bananas.
- Allow bananas to cook for at least 2 minutes before turning.
- Take the chia pudding out of the fridge and pour in 4 bowls.
- Decorate with the caramelized bananas and walnuts.
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