Summer chia shake

Here at Including Cake I’ve been experimenting (ok, I never really stop experimenting), this time with chia puddings and shakes.

One of the amazing properties of chia seeds is their hydration factor and their ability to fill you up. These little seeds ‘gel up’ when in contact with water absorbing up to nine times their own weight. This gel coating keeps the whole digestive process hydrated and their bulk will keep you fuller for longer.

Grinding the chia seeds gives them more surface area to react with the liquid and creates a smoother texture. This shake is the perfect summer replenishment or post workout power shake. By adding more chia seeds you can also create a thicker ‘chia pudding’.

Feel free to experiment with flavours, although I would suggest keeping the banana since this provides much of the thickness and creamy consistency. You can use any type of milk you like although I would suggest almond, hemp and soy milks are good options. Oat and rice milk may work but these ‘milks’ are thinner than the former.  Other good additions would be cocoa and pure vanilla powder,  you could also try using summer fruits such as strawberries which also have a high pectin content thus making for a super creamy shake.

The addition of coconut flour creates a creates a hint of creamy ‘doughy’ texture which is hard to explain, but  the shake will also work if you omit this.  The carob provides the subtle caramelly overtones which beautifully compliment the banana.  I also made a similar non-chia based shake so named the ‘banoffee shake’ as it had such a lovely caramelly flavour.

Play around with the liquid amount to achieve the consistency you prefer by adding more or less milk as required. You will find that if you let the shake sit in the fridge for a few minutes before drinking it will thicken up a little further.

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Recipe: Summer chia shake

Ingredients:

1 medium ripe banana
2 cups ‘milk’ (adjust to preference)
2tsp carob
1 tbs fine coconut flour
½ tsp vanilla powder
2 tbs ground chia seeds
2 tsp agave (to taste)
½ tsp cinnamon

Method

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Pour into glasses and chill for a few minutes for a thicker cooler shake.

Note: to make a chia pudding, increase the chia to 3-4tbs.

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