Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

Throughout the great City of New York, Willow sets itself apart with delicious, nutritious vegan foods that even non-vegans will savor. Every meal at our restaurant, from appetizer to dessert, offers a wide range of nutritional benefits in perfectly sized proportions. Our vanilla chia seed pudding is no exception to that rule.

Though chia seeds have little flavor in and of themselves, this chia seed pudding has a sweet, complex taste wrapped in a gluten-free dish that you have to try. At Willow in NYC every dish is homey and familiar, then elevated with unique flavors and upscale presentation. We’re taking relatable American food and turning it on its head— then making it vegan!

Tips for Making Willow’s Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

In many ways, chia seed pudding is a bit of a delicious science experiment. As is the case with many experiments, it’s vital to understand the key elements of the process before getting started.

Don’t Rush the Process

Much of what gives this treat its creamy texture is the process by which chia seeds soak up liquid ingredients. As the seeds fill with plant and coconut milk, they expand, creating a texture not too far from that of tapioca pudding. The longer the seeds sit in liquid, the further their texture will develop.

In cooking your seeds, you’ll already speed up this process a bit, but it’s key that you don’t rush it. Be sure to allow your seeds a full night to soak up the rest of your ingredients. If you dive into this dish too quickly, you may be surprised by more crunch than you expected!

Know your Plant Milks

Though our original recipe calls for soy milk, this vanilla chia seed pudding recipe allows a great deal of freedom, depending on your personal preference and dietary needs. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, try flavored soy milk or even the exotic taste of macadamia milk. For a mildly earthy, nutty flavor, try this recipe with oat milk instead.

Get creative! As tasty as this treat is, I doubt your first time preparing it will be your last. Feel free to switch up kinds of plant milk until you find the perfect one for you.

Willow NYC Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

This easy recipe calls for little-to-no prep; simply portion out your ingredients, place a pot over your stove-top, and get to work!

Ingredients

12oz coconut milk 12oz soy milk (or other plant-based milk) 1/2 cup agave 1/2 cup corn starch	2 tablespoons vanilla extract 2 tablespoons almond extract 1 cup chia seeds

Instructions

Place coconut milk, plant milk, and agave into a saucepan, along with vanilla and almond extracts.
Bring to a simmer.
Slowly mix cornstarch into liquid ingredients until it has fully dissolved.
Add chia seeds and continue to cook for five minutes. Stir seeds well to avoid any clumps.
Pour into a separate container and leave to chill overnight.
Serve with your favorite fruits.

Nutritional Information

Despite its rich texture and sweet flavor, this is likely to be the healthiest dessert you ever prepare! Because this recipe depends largely on chia seeds, it’s incredibly rich in the antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and protein you need to keep your vegan diet healthy and balanced.

Just one ounce of chia seeds contains nearly five grams of protein,16% of your recommended B vitamins, and 12% of your daily iron intake. Not only that, these seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats necessary to keep you energized and your body functioning. Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants, which are linked to better overall health and lower rates of cancer.

This isn’t just a tasty dish; it’s one to help you power through your day and stay healthy!

Though coconut milk is far from a low-calorie ingredient, the chia seeds in this pudding may balance that out. A single serving of chia seeds contains 35% of your daily fiber intake, meaning a bit of this pudding will go a long way in keeping you fuller longer. The way in which these seeds take on water helps them expand even in your stomach, slowing your digestion and helping with weight loss.

Whether you’ve got weight loss, lower inflammation, balanced nutrition, or just enjoying a delicious treat in mind, this recipe has what you need to achieve your goals!

If you’re looking to join us at our restaurant on 8th Avenue in NYC or want to take advantage of our online ordering options; you can skip the cooking time and experience true vegan excellence.