Besides, the chia seeds make up for it.
I've been experimenting with chia seeds for a few months. They're excellent as a simple oatmeal topping or made into a pudding such as Gena's basic chia pudding. But I think my favorite way to eat chia seeds is to soak them and use them to thicken smoothies.
It's easy to adjust the amounts of seeds and liquid to make a thicker or thinner smoothie. This time, since I was using the classic smoothie thickener, banana, I kept the amount of chia seeds fairly low -- 1 tbsp of seeds for 1/2 cup total of milk and yogurt. It would definitely be possible to double the amount of seeds, eliminate the banana, and add in a bunch of different fruits and vegetables, though. Experiment and see what you like!
I strongly prefer smoothies made with fresh banana to those made with frozen. However! If you happen to have a freezer full of smoothie-destined bananas, you could absolutely use them here. You may need to add some extra liquid or switch out the yogurt for milk to adjust for your desired texture, but otherwise, you should be good to go.
If you make this in a regular-mouth mason jar, you can screw it onto a standard blender base and blend in the jar itself. Fewer dishes = yes please. This also means you can always put a lid on your jar and save the leftovers for later. Super easy.
Strawberry banana chia smoothie
1/4 cup milk or non-dairy milk of choice
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup plain yogurt or non-dairy sub of choice (or more milk)
4-5 strawberries, chunked
1 fresh banana, sliced
1 tsp flaxseed meal, optional
At least two hours before you want your smoothie, mix your milk and chia seeds together in your jar of choice. Refrigerate. Stir to mix twice at rough 10-minute intervals. This will keep your seeds from sticking together in one big lump at the bottom of your jar. Then just leave the jar in the fridge for 2 hours or more. I leave mine overnight.
In the morning, your chia seeds will be ready to go. Add your yogurt, strawberries, banana, and flaxseed meal to the jar (or put everything in a standard blender). Blend until fully pureed.
Drink it! Breakfast!
Do you eat chia seeds? What's your favorite thing to make with them?
PS: I have a sprained ankle. WHY. (It's because the moles dug a hole right in front of the back door. Jerks.)
5 comments:
Strawberry banana is a classic combo for a reason!! And why fix something if it isn't broken, right?! :)
This looks terrific, Eileen! Somehow I still haven't tried chia seeds - this looks like a great way to do it!
Eileen, you are blowing my mind with the idea of screwing a mason jar into a blender. Wha?!? How have I never known that? Brilliant, lady!
And I'm always down for a banana strawberry smoothie... that was the family brekkie this morning:)
Hope you're well!
E
I just can't forget that Chias are Pets! How can I eat their seeds (insert smiley face here). GREG
I've been trying to up my smoothie game lately now that the office isn't feeding me. They just aren't keeping me full enough. It's driving me crazy because I love smoothies so much. I am totally a non-frozen banana in my smoothie person too. So much more banana flavor that way. Chia seeds are a staple in the house. I've been making overnight oats with them when they aren't in a smoothie.
Your poor ankle. Curse the moles!
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