Pistachio Chia Pudding with Grass-Fed Beef Gelatin

Photo credits: potluck.ohmyveggies.com

If chia seeds and pistachios are your thing, then this pudding recipe is right up your alley! For those of you that haven’t tried chia seeds yet - how is that possible? The first thing you need to know is that chia seeds need to absorb liquid before they can be consumed, since they will expand up to 12 times their weight.  

Once chia seeds are mixed with water (wait at least 10 minutes, although 2-3 hours is better), they’ll form a thick, gel-like texture. This is why chia seeds work wonders in puddings and rich, thick smoothies.

Since we’re about to add this superfood to today’s recipe, let’s have a look at its benefits. Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, omega fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants. They help in managing blood sugar levels and deliver 42% of your daily fiber needs in just a single serving. Basically, chia seeds provide with the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories. Not bad for such teeny tiny black seeds, right?

Why add unflavored Beef Gelatin?

Although the human body produces collagen itself, as we age the amount of natural collagen decreases - over 1.5% per year after the age 30. Collagen is important because it’s the building material responsible for renewing cells in all areas of the body. Similar to collagen, gelatin is a naturally occurring protein that delivers important amino acids that are difficult to find in our diet, such as glycine and proline. The difference between collagen and beef gelatin is that you can use it in different ways. Our grass-fed beef gelatin is ideal for your homemade cooking or baking recipes since it only dissolves in hot water and in cold liquids and can be used as a thickening agent as it needs to bloom.

Photo credits: mynameisyeh.com

The Recipe

Ingredients

Serves: 4

2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup pistachios (peeled)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
Dark chocolate or fruit for topping
1 scoop of Grass-Fed Beef Gelatin Powder

Preparation

1. Heat up the 1-cup of almond milk and add a scoop of Beef Gelatin until it dissolves.
2. Now combine it with the other cup of cold almond milk ,chia seeds, vanilla extract, ground cardamom, and maple syrup in a mason jar.
3. Shake well until mixed!
4. Open the jar to check that the chia seeds have not clotted. If so, use a wooden spoon to break up any chia seeds that stick together.
5. Wait 10 minutes and add the pistachios and shake again.
6. Refrigerate at least for 10 minutes. For maximum results, let it sit for at least a few hours, so that all the chia seeds will be soaked.
7. Top the pudding with dark chocolate shavings or fresh fruit. Or both!