Like most food habits, my breakfast choices have slowly morphed over the years. When I initially lost weight (70 lbs 8 years ago) my go-to was a bowl of All-Bran with skim milk. Then I switched to soy milk, then almond. I started adding berries and other fruits. Soon my daily cereal became oatmeal.
Then I started eating eggs more and fell in love.
Now I eat 2 eggs with a slice of bacon or ham and spinach or kale almost every morning. I LOVE it but I also thrive on variety and trying new things.
Queue the chia seeds.
I've experimented with a them a little before making a jelly and even introduced them to the toddler with some fun results, but I haven't really put them in regular rotation yet.
So last night I decided to soak a bowl for a quick breakfast this morning and the result was, well, interesting.
Don't get me wrong. I liked it, a lot, but the texture is, ummm, different. Slimy is a horrible word but the best one I can think of even though I realize it doesn't make it sound appetizing in the least. It's very refreshing and a perfect summer breakfast bowl as I find oats too heavy in the warmer months.
Adding in a little maple syrup and cinnamon was the perfect compliment. I could have eaten them alone but I decided to add a few frozen blueberries and sunflower seeds for texture.
Here's what I did...
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds (30g)
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (any should work)
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup (10g)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Measure out all the ingredients.
Give it a good stir, cover with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight in the fridge.
The next morning I wasn't too impressed.
Until I gave it a good stir and saw how thick it really was.
Interesting, yummy goodness!
I added my toppings and enjoyed an easy, filling breakfast!
The blueberries and sunflower seeds were a yummy complement, but lots of other things would work too. Think almonds, pecans, walnuts, banana, apples, strawberries, etc.
The nutritional information for the porridge is quite impressive without the toppings. I can't get over how much fiber is in these seeds! And don't worry about the fat. It's all healthy omega-3s!
📖 Recipe
Overnight Maple Cinnamon Chia Porridge
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds 30g
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk any should work
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup 10g
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Measure out all the ingredients.½ tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Give it a good stir, cover with plastic wrap and let it sit overnight in the fridge. Until I gave it a good stir and saw how thick it really was.
- I added my toppings and enjoyed an easy, filling breakfast! The blueberries and sunflower seeds were a yummy complement, but lots of other things would work too. Think almonds, pecans, walnuts, banana, apples, strawberries, etc.2 tablespoon chia seeds, ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
Angel
Can you heat it up in the stove or microwave in order to make this a hot breakfast?
I'm thinking of adding protein powder, would this hurt the outcome of the recipe?
roni
You could heat it up if you want. I make warm chia pudding all the time. As for the protein powder, that's your choice. I'm sure you can add but I'm not a fan of the taste. Give it a whirl!
Jenna
Years ago I discovered this site and was instantly hooked. Your applepie oatmeal was my breakfast of champions every morning (then morphed into applepie quinoa) and whenever I didn't know what to make I came to your blog for inspiration. You have never failed to give me inspiration. Even when I get of track for a while and have a hard time getting back on, you seem to be that nudge I need. Well I've been "off plan" for nearly a year...I've gained 10 pounds (would have been more if I hadn't naturally adopted better eating habits). Anyways I decided it was time to get back "on plan" almost a month ago but alas had a hard time sticking to one whole day of counting points. Then last night there was a little voice in my ear saying "check Greenlitebites, see what she's been up to." First of all wow, Ryan is so big can't even beleive what a handsome boy he's become, I feel like I watched him grow up. I first started following GLB when he was "the toddler" well before "little bean."
Anyways I had a point to this comment about the recipe and kinda hijacked my own post (lol you said that in a recipe I read last night) After looking at your site last night I got some great ideas and am ready to get back on track. This recipe in particular I did this morning (well started prep last night) I prepped all the ingredents put them in the bowl, covered it and put in fridge. When that was done I started reading the comments. I saw alot of people mention quinoa and I remembered my fondness of it. I whipped up an entire box of it (to store in the fridge like I used to for convient breakfasts) I decided at that point I wanted to make this porridge a little differenet and I was gonna put the quinoa in it in the a.m. So this morning I nuked 1/2 quinoa in micorwave and dumped it in the porridge. It was DELICIOUS!!!! It tasted familar like something I had before but I couldn't put my finger on it. The whole time I was eating it I pondered what it tasted like. Then it hit me! Rice pudding!!! It was almost identical with the cinnamon and quinoa took place of the rice and the chia seeds were way less "slimy" I think the quinoa soaked up some of that. Anyways you should try it....its great!
Thanks for all you do and your inspiration....you played a huge part in me losing my 35 lbs 4 years ago. My journey probably would have been very different had you not had this site and I found it!
roni
What a great combo idea!! And think you so much for your comment. I'm so glad you are enjoying the site. 🙂
Samya Peri
I just made this wonderful porridge. Guess what? My kids totally love it. I will make another round of this wonderful recipe this week end as requested. Thanks a lot! 😀
Christine P
I just discovered your website and have been so excited to try out your recipes! They all seem so simple and delicious - thank you!!
Cheryl
oh la la, this high fiber healthy dish looks heavenly 🙂 Looking forward to try this breakfast treat. Thanks so much for the recipe Roni.
Jody - Fit at 55
That looks amazing!
Mary Dewitte
Hi Roni,
Wow! This looks like a perfect breakfast. I would like to try this one.
BTW, have you tried amaranth-quinoa porridge recipe? Amaranth is relatively high in protein, calcium, and iron, and it’s also very high in fiber.
Holly
Thanks for yet another inspirational idea. Roni, I get a real kick out of how your blog can be such a tool to use for introducing real food into my everyday life. Historically, I had an awesome palette and great skills....for event cooking and eating but I stunk at everyday cooking and eating.
I took this and modified with cocoa and coconut. I am totally walking around like I invented Chia seeds.
Jennifer
Yum. I make this sometimes as a "pudding" for a treat in the evening.
mary
Have you tried quinoa as a breakfast? I eat chia too, but quinoa is so yummy with almond milk and blueberries....I didn't even need to add any sweetener!
roni
I have Mary! Love it!
Here's a few ideas I've shared.... https://greenlitebites.com/?s=breakfast+quinoa
Julie
Yes I like quinoa for breakfast also, i add a little maple syrup to it 🙂
john
I love this idea...it looks so good. thanks I will definitely be giving this a try!
Laura
I love refrigerator oatmeal! http://www.theyummylife.com has many recipes for this!
Arlene @ Adventures in Weight Loss
Hmm. I've been adding chia seeds to my overnight oats — but I have yet to try them on their own. I might have to take your word for it and just do it.
Jessica
My go to bfast is made at night and refrigerated until the am: 1oz oats, 4oz unsweetened vanilla silk almond milk, 8oz water, smidge of vanilla extract, and stevia. Nuke for 6-7 min but watch as it'll boil over. I let it cool in the microwave then refridgerate overnight. I've played with other extracts but bought a big bottle of pure vanilla at Sam's Club so I use that.
Krista
I eat this a lot for breakfast in the summer, but I use chia seeds, unsweetened coconut milk beverage, lemon zest, blueberries, and slivered almonds (the berries & almonds added in the morning). Sometimes I use a bit of C&H Light (sugar-stevia blend) if the berries aren't particularly sweet and sometimes I add a bit of raw oats to it. It's delicious! You're right with the texture....slimy, but not in a gross way.