Protein chia pudding

Protein chia pudding

15 min
Start your day with our protein chia pudding, a perfect mix of warm cinnamon and cardamom, chia seeds and quinoa. Topped with sweet pears, creamy peanut butter, and bright blueberries, this pudding is a feast for the senses. It's ideal as a pick-me-up snack, offering a quiet moment of comfort with every bite. Enjoy its easy preparation and customise it to your taste for a snack that's sure to become a favourite.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/protein-chia-pudding/

Instructions

  • Mix all the ingredients for the porridge in a saucepan and simmer for about 3 minutes while stirring.
  • Pour the porridge into plates and top with the accessories. Serve with milk.
Enjoy!

Questions about protein chia pudding

Start perfecting your protein chia pudding with our detailed FAQ section. Discover how to prepare it in advance and learn how different quinoas will affect the taste and texture. Our answers will help you craft a tasty treat.

Can I prepare protein chia pudding in advance?
Definitely. This peanut butter chia pudding is ideal for making ahead of time. Store it in single-serving containers for convenient and quick meals during the week. This saves you time and makes it easy to grab as an on-the-go snack.
Can I use any type of quinoa for my protein chia pudding?
Yes, each quinoa variety will add its own distinct texture and flavour to this recipe. White quinoa has a mild flavour and fluffy texture, making it a versatile choice that blends seamlessly with the pudding. Red and black quinoa have slightly nuttier flavours and a firmer texture, which can add a pleasant contrast and a bit of extra crunch. Tricolour quinoa combines the qualities of all three, offering a balanced mix of textures and flavours. Feel free to experiment with different types to find the one that best complements your pudding.

Ingredients

Quinoa
75 g
Chia seeds
2 tbsp
Ground cinnamon
½ tsp
Ground cardamom
½ tsp
Vanilla powder
1 pinch
Salt
½ pinch
Water
300 ml
Pear, cut into pieces
1
Peanut butter
50 ml
Blueberries
62 g
Hazelnuts or dried mulberries, coarsely chopped
27 g
Blueberry powder (optional)
200 ml

Finely tune your pudding's consistency

Adjusting this recipe’s consistency to your preference is quick and easy. For a thicker or thinner protein chia pudding, simply reduce or increase the amount of water. If you prefer a creamier feel, try blending the set pudding. This step will transform the consistency into a silky smooth, mouse-like texture. So go ahead, give it a quick blend and enjoy an extraordinary texture that might just become your new favourite.

Storage tips to preserve freshness

For fresh protein chia pudding, seal it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will remain fresh for five to seven days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it, remembering to leave out the toppings to keep the texture right.

When you're ready to eat, move it from the freezer to the fridge to thaw. This ensures that your peanut butter chia pudding defrosts evenly for the best consistency. Always include a label with the storage date, whether you keep it in the fridge or freezer. This helps you track its freshness and make sure you eat it while it's still good.

Cook the quinoa just right

Start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitterness. Simmer the porridge gently until the quinoa is tender and the chia seeds have absorbed the liquid, forming a gel-like consistency. Stir occasionally during this time to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed and to prevent clumping. This method ensures both the quinoa and chia seeds are perfectly cooked, contributing their unique textures and flavours to the dish.

Perfect pairings

Present your protein chia pudding in clear containers to show off the colourful fruit layers on the creamy base. The toppings of ripe pears and blueberries add a mix of colours and textures that make every spoonful exciting.

For an even more enjoyable snack, pair the pudding with a warm spiced chai that matches the cinnamon and cardamom, or choose a cool smoothie for contrast. Our protein milk, mango protein smoothie, or berry protein smoothie are all great choices that will complement the creamy base of the pudding, while providing a welcome contrast in temperature.

Ingredient synergy for optimal flavour

This peanut butter chia pudding is a celebration of complementary flavours. The mild, nutty quinoa pairs perfectly with the creamy, slightly sweet chia seeds, creating a balanced base. Adding peanut butter introduces a rich, savoury depth that complements the subtle sweetness of the pears.

The milk helps blend these flavours together smoothly. Freshly sliced pears and vibrant blueberries add a juicy, refreshing contrast that brightens the overall flavour profile. By thoughtfully combining these ingredients, each one enhances the others, resulting in a harmonious and delicious snack.

Reinvent your leftovers

If you have any peanut butter chia pudding left, consider using it as a base for a smoothie by blending it with additional fruits, like bananas or berries, and a splash of milk. You can also layer the leftover pudding with yogurt and granola for a creamy parfait, perfect for breakfast or as an anytime treat.

Another option is to use it as a filling for crepes or as a topping for pancakes, adding a unique twist to your snacking routine. By creatively repurposing your leftovers, you can enjoy this delicious pudding in various new ways.

Mix the peanut butter with milk for a smoother pudding

For an extra smooth consistency, mix the peanut butter topping with the milk before adding it to the quinoa and chia mixture. This step ensures that the peanut butter is fully incorporated and evenly distributed throughout the pudding.

Simply blend the peanut butter and milk together until you have a smooth, creamy consistency. Using a whisk or blender can help achieve the best results. This mixture will not only enhance the overall texture of the pudding but also infuse every bite with the rich, nutty flavour of the peanut butter.

Serve cold for a refreshing twist

Serving this recipe cold enhances the creamy texture and makes it an ideal, refreshing treat. After preparing the pudding, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavours to meld together and the pudding to thicken to the perfect consistency.