If you're looking for a dessert or snack that's both delicious and nutritious, chia pudding flavored with pandan is a fantastic choice. This Southeast Asian herb, pandan, not only imparts a vibrant green color but also an aromatic essence that makes chia pudding an extraordinary treat. Here, we explore five different chia pudding recipes, all highlighting the unique flavor of pandan, tailored for different tastes and dietary preferences.
Basic Pandan Chia Pudding
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons pandan extract or 1-2 pandan leaves, blended with water
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or sweetener of choice
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Blend or whisk the coconut milk with pandan extract or pandan leaf juice until well combined.
- Add chia seeds, sweetener, and a pinch of salt into the pandan milk mixture.
- Stir well to ensure no chia seeds clump together.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the chia seeds swell and absorb the flavors.
- Stir before serving to redistribute the seeds and enhance creaminess.
Coconut-Lychee Pandan Chia Pudding
Ingredients:
- Basic pandan chia pudding ingredients
- 1⁄2 cup lychee, cut into small pieces or pureed
- Toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the basic pandan chia pudding as described.
- Add lychee pieces or puree into the set pudding and mix gently.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes right before serving for an extra crunch and flavor.
Pandan Chia Pudding with Mango
Ingredients:
- Basic pandan chia pudding ingredients
- 1 ripe mango, diced or pureed
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Layer the set pandan chia pudding with mango in serving glasses.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a fresh touch.
Vegan Pandan Chia Pudding Parfait
Ingredients:
- Basic pandan chia pudding ingredients
- Vegan granola
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)
Instructions:
- In glasses or jars, layer granola at the bottom, followed by pandan chia pudding, and top with fresh berries.
- Repeat the layers for a visually appealing parfait.
Pandan Chia Pudding Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup pandan chia pudding
- 1 banana, ripe
- 1⁄2 cup spinach or kale
- 1 cup almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
💡 Note: You can adjust the thickness of the smoothie by adding more or less milk to suit your preference.
In wrapping up, the versatility of chia pudding combined with pandan's unique flavor offers a range of possibilities from simple to sophisticated. These recipes not only provide a delightful taste but also ensure you're getting essential nutrients from chia seeds. Whether you prefer your pudding layered, blended, or with an array of toppings, there's a pandan chia pudding recipe here for every palate. Let your creativity flow and enjoy the healthful and flavorful journey of pandan chia pudding.
What is pandan, and where can I find it?
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Pandan is a tropical plant known for its aromatic leaves. You can find pandan leaves or pandan extract in Asian supermarkets or online. The leaves are often used fresh or frozen.
Are chia seeds healthy?
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Absolutely! Chia seeds are rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants, making them a superfood.
Can pandan chia pudding be made ahead of time?
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Yes, it’s perfect for making in advance as the chia seeds need time to set. The pudding can be stored in the fridge for several days.
