Chia Pudding with Tropical Fruit

Tropical fruit symbolizes the joy and freedom of the warm season. Chia seeds and plant milks create the rich base to the pudding. The spicy, floral flavor of cardamom evokes a festive mood.

Prep time:  10 minutes
Cooling time:  refrigerate 4 hours or overnight
Servings: 4 (1 cup) or 8 (1/2 cup)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 4 cups almond milk (18.5 oz)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sugar (if using unsweetened milks)
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • a pinch of sea salt
  • 1 cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple
  • 1/4 cup coconut chunks or flakes
  • 1/2 banana

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can full-fat coconut milk and enough almond milk to make 4 cups. whisk in 1 tsp vanilla extract.

If using unsweetened milks, add 1/4 cup sugar. Whisk in 1 tsp ground cardamom and a pinch of sea salt.

Whisk in 1 cup chia seeds. Wait 1 minute, then whisk again. Wait 2 minutes, then whisk again. Wait 5 minutes, then whisk again. This minimizes the tendency of the chia seeds to float to the top and form a skin.

There are two ways to serve chia pudding: One is to measure individual servings into dessert cups. Another is to put all of it into a large bowl or dessert ring. Transfer the chia pudding into your chosen container(s) and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Just beore serving: Distribute 1 cup crushed pineapple evenly over hte surface of the chia pudding. Make small piles using 1/4 cup coconut chunks of flakes. Thinly slice 1/2 banana and make a little fan of banana slices beside hte coconut on each serving of chia pudding.

This recipe makes four 1 cup servings as a light lunch or a eight 1/2 cup servings as a dessert.