ErbologyVeganRevered by the Mayans and packed full of nutrients, chia seeds are the hero of this surprisingly healthy parfait. Layer with berries for a tasty breakfast or afternoon snack.
Rediscovering a mayan super seed
I once spent a month in a Mayan village and was taken into the jungle to see an ancient Mayan ruin, thickly shrouded in vines that had to be hacked aside by my guides. It exuded a very real magic and wisdom. With this in mind, I was enchanted to learn that chia is the ancient Mayan word for strength. How wonderful that we've been able to rediscover this incredible, forgotten food!
Making the perfect parfait
In this pudding recipe, we use chia seed in a fluffy layered parfait. Each layer in this chia pudding brings new pleasures. When taken together they are an utter delight for the taste buds as well as for the body. The very word 'parfait' brings to mind rich animal fats like eggs and cream as well as white sugar, which is what a typical French parfait contains. Reshaping the recipe using plant-based ingredients and natural sweeteners like maple syrup and raw agave nectar represents an authentic metamorphosis. It's a way of changing our perspective and lifestyle without sacrificing on flavour or enjoyment.
Chia is strength
Why would the ancient Mayans associate this tiny seed with 'strength'? Chia seeds are one of the most invigorating foods in this world of ours. Some of this is down to the high levels of plant proteins that they contain. In fact, chia contains many of the essential amino acids we need to function normally.(1)(2) Protein is beneficial for weight loss, too, so this is a parfait that you can feel quite virtuous about! Chia seeds are also high in fiber, which just makes them even better at helping you maintain an optimal weight. Of course, any long-term weight loss will come from a diet based on real foods, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep.
Sister puddings
Here, we have fashioned two types of chia pudding for our parfait. One includes berries, and the other turmeric. Turmeric has been used for centuries in India as a medicine, and modern science is beginning to catch on to its benefits, too. We layer our sister chia puddings in between more berries and Erbology Tigernut Granola with Sea Buckthorn and Aronia Berries. A smooth cashew cream makes up the final layer.
Lemon zestful
We include lemon zest or lemon juice in all of the layers of this parfait. For us, there is nothing quite as cleansing and brightening as lemons. They are as refreshing to the eye as they are for the palate, too. Sometimes we have to stop ourselves before adding them into every dish and onto every surface! Something that we did not realize - and you might not either - is that, for vegetarians, it can be hard for the body to absorb iron from plant-based sources (non-heme iron). Citric acid and vitamin C, both contained in lemons, can give your body a boost on this front and help ward off anemia.(3)(4) Yet another reason to love lemons - and to love this parfait.
Chia seeds are so versatile. Besides creating delicious chia pudding desserts, you can add chia to your homemade bread recipes, sprinkle over salads, and mix in dips. Here are a few chia seed recipes we love.
Summer rolls with chia and peanut butter sauce recipe
The cabbage roll can be traced back to Jewish cooking thousands of years ago. Their traditional “holishkls” was sweet and sour. It was made with raisins, brown sugar, lemon and tomato. Since then, many variations (and names) have appeared across different cultures. In Ukraine, the rolls also tend to be sweet. Many other peoples, such as the Romanian and Polish, celebrate with a more savory adaptation; think meat and rice with a tomato sauce. But there's something to be said for recreating a classic, with a modern twist. View recipe
Ginger orange smoothie recipe
Ginger and orange are a classic combination, and they really work so well together. They provide masses of flavour, while a sprinkle of chia seeds at the end brings extra fibre and protein. View recipe
Gluten-free nut bread with hemp and chia recipe
We love seeded bread, to the point that we've packed our gluten-free loaf to the rafters with nuts and seeds. Chia is just part of this mineral-rich megamix. View recipe
Bergamot and chickpea salad recipe
These rice cake nibbles are as perfect for a party food as they are for a light snack. The citrus notes of bergamot lift the whole recipe. View recipe
