Chia Seeds and Coconut Jelly [Dairy free, Gluten free, Sugar free]

Chia seeds, the new Superfood!  They are tasteless, so it is very easy to combine with virtually any food, without altering its flavor. Mix one part of chia seed with nine parts of water. This will form a gelatinous mixture that you can add to sauces, smoothies, shakes, cereals, etc.

In making this dessert / pudding today, I added in some pulped fresh pineapple without sweetening with dates and I was pretty much satisfied with the outcome.  The taste of the pineapple emerges well, blended with the coconut milk and the cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla extract.  You may prefer a sweeter version, hence my optional ingredient in the list of ingredients below include medjool dates.

Chia seeds add the following to our health:

Energy boost without the withdraw effect afterwards, thanks to the combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar balancing gel.

Weight loss, the gelling action of chia seed keeps you feeling full for longer, and cuts cravings. Helping you lose weight, and build lean muscle.

Anti-aging properties, because of its high content of antioxidants, more than any other seed.

Lower cholesterol

Alkalize your pH

Stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing diabetes, and energy swings from the sugar fluctuations.

Improve digestion, and cleanses the digestive tract.

Reduce inflammation and speed injury recovery

Balance electrolyte levels

Improve hydration: Chia seed absorbs 9 times its volume in water.

Improve mental sharpness and sleep

Improve skin health.

I allowed the jelly to refrigerate for just over 2 hours in the refrigerator and if you left it longer, the jelly effect will be better, allowing for the chia seeds to absorb the coconut milk and offer a total gelatinous effect.  You may adjust the quantities as required and to suit your taste.

Ingredients
1 cup sugar-free and emulsifier-free coconut cream or coconut milk
3 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tsp nibbed raw almonds or raw almond flakes
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional
Date paste made from a medjool date
Mashed banana or fruit of choice mixed with the chia seeds and coconut cream or milk
Sliced fruit  or raw nuts to garnish


Here's How

• Mix the chia seeds and coconut cream / milk together in a glass dish. 
• Blend in the vanilla extract and spices and if using, the raw almonds. If you want a sweetened effect, you may make a date-paste out of a medjool date soaked in water until soft and blend this in.

• Cover with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, but a minimum of 30 minutes for the best texture. Serve with raw cacao nibs, organic dark raw cacao paste, a splash of honey for those who include it in their diets, or just as is.

This is the process I followed for a Chia, Coconut milk and pineapple jelly using a food processor.