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A parfait is a layered sweet treat that can either be served as a breakfast specialty or as a dinner dessert. Commonly it is made with yogurt, granola, nuts and blueberries, strawberries, or other fresh fruits - however, Paleo people like to un-common their lives and branch out while discovering new delicacies.
Going dairy-free can be a difficult task at first, but it can also be the most delicious thing you have ever done.
Here you will start with almond milk, a tasty Paleo dairy substitute, and soak ½ cup of chia seeds in it. To streamline the process, you can make the chia pudding the night before to help speed up breakfast prep time, and if you enjoy eating the apples cold, they can also be made the evening before - just layer them before serving.
This is a high-carb recipe, so it's something to enjoy every now and then. And as always, feel free to adjust the sweeteners to your taste, especially if your apples are in season and deliciously tart.
Before we go any further, what exactly are chia seeds? They are newly popular in the Paleo crowd, so you may have heard of them, but what are their benefits, and why should you be eating them?
Here's the quick answer: they are tiny black seeds that originate from a mint family in Central and South America, they are a powerhouse of fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids and they provide you with slow-release energy throughout the day.
And here's the longer story about chia seeds, in case you are super-curious about what goes in your body.
If you still want to add a bite of crunch to your parfait, then a sprinkle of Paleo granola will do the trick. Whether you try it crunchy or not, this is a great recipe to know and to love.
Caramel Apple Chia Parfaits Recipe
Serves: 4 Prep: 15 min + 2 h Cook: 10 min
Ingredients
½ cup chia seeds
2 cups almond milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Caramel Apple Ingredients
1 tbsp. coconut oil
3 Granny Smith apples, cored and roughly chopped
1 cup coconut sugar
¾ cup coconut milk
½ tsp. cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Preparation
Combine the chia seeds, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Cover and place in the fridge to soak for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
To make the caramel apples - melt the coconut oil in a pan and add the apples.
Allow the apples to sauté for a few minutes, then add the coconut sugar and coconut milk.
Allow to cook until a thick caramel is formed (stirring continuously) and the apples start to soften.
Add the cinnamon and salt, then stir to combine.
Layer the chia pudding with the caramel apples and serve.
📖 Recipe
Caramel Apple Chia Parfaits Recipe
Caramel apples drenched in coconut sugar and cinnamon, with a dairy-free chia pudding base for layering? Almost too good to be Paleo!
Combine the chia seeds, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Cover and place in the fridge to soak for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
½ cup chia seeds, 2 cups almond milk, 2 tsp. vanilla extract
To make the caramel apples – melt the coconut oil in a pan and add the apples.
1 tbsp. coconut oil, 3 Granny Smith apples
Allow the apples to sauté for a few minutes, then add the coconut sugar and coconut milk.
1 cup coconut sugar, ¾ cup coconut milk
Allow to cook until a thick caramel is formed (stirring continuously) and the apples start to soften.
Add the cinnamon and salt, then stir to combine.
½ tsp. cinnamon, Pinch of salt
Layer the chia pudding with the caramel apples and serve.
For raw chia seeds, you can soak chia seeds with warm water first and then use them or sprinkle a spoonful of chia seeds directly into yogurt, wait 15-20 minutes for the chia seeds to bloom and then use. Can be used with many other fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, mango, ... to make the dish more attractive.
If your chia pudding isn't thick enough, just add more chia seeds to the mixture and let it sit a bit longer. You can also use a thicker milk. Full-fat canned coconut milk creates an ultra thick and creamy chia pudding. If you hate the texture of chia pudding, try blending it in a high powered blender like a Vitamix.
The soluble fiber in the seeds absorbs water, causing them to expand in your stomach and increase your feeling of fullness when you eat them. By letting you feel fuller despite eating less, chia seeds can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Chia seeds are highly nutritious, boast a long list of health benefits and can be a healthy dietary addition for most. However, moderation is key, as eating too many may cause side effects. To prevent this, start with 1 ounce (28 grams) daily and assess your tolerance before slowly increasing your intake.
Eating them dry can give a crunchy feeling and they're great in smoothies or baking. Just remember to drink enough water when you eat them dry so they don't soak up water in your stomach, which might make you feel thirsty. So, soaking chia seeds is good, but it's not compulsory. You can enjoy them dry too.
The fiber and protein in chia seeds may benefit those trying to lose weight. One oz (28 g) of chia seeds has close to 10 g of dietary fiber. That means they're a whopping 35% fiber by weight ( 3 , 9 , 10 ).
In terms of how much chia to eat each day, it's smart to stick to the 2-tablespoon serving size. You'll probably want to break this up throughout the day, adding a teaspoon or two to your smoothie, another teaspoon in your mid-morning yogurt, and the rest in recipes like chia pudding.
Is it better to soak chia seeds in milk or water? That's a matter of personal preference. If you soak them in water they have less flavor than if they are soaked in a non-dairy milk. When soaked in a milk, they take on the flavor of the milk.
Moreover, chia seeds barely contain any calories which makes it ideal for people who are trying so hard to lose belly fat or lose weight in general. Chia seeds will keep your satiated for long hours but will not add more fat and calories in your body.
Chia seeds are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and support healthy digestion. The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Chia seeds are loaded with fibres and when it is consumed in lots of quantities the body may find it difficult to digest it properly. One should stick to an ideal quantity of chia seeds in a day and not consume more. Consuming more of these tiny seeds can cause diarrhea, bloating and stomach cramps.
Chia seed parfait is super good for you! It's filling and will give you energy for hours due to its fantastic nutritional properties. Chia seeds are high in protein, soluble fibre, healthy fats, and omega 3s, and may also be beneficial to digestive health. They're also great in chia seed porridge.
Chia seeds are an excellent nutritional ingredient that can help reduce stubborn belly fat. It has a plethora of nutrients including fiber, iron, potassium, salt, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C. You can combine this with yogurt in porridge, fruit bowl, smoothies, etc.
In a couple of minutes, your seeds will be transformed into a creamy, dreamy, smooth pudding. Enjoy it immediately or store it in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow the chia seeds to absorb the yogurt and expand overnight. The longer you let the yogurt sit, the brighter yellow the yogurt will become.
Chia seeds can be added right to yogurt before eating. Mix them into the yogurt with a spoon so that they become less dry and can plump up a little. The longer you let them sit in the yogurt, the plumper they will become. However, it is safe to eat them completely dry on yogurt.
Read my previous post for the full benefits of chia seed.To ensure you soak the right ratio, add 1/3 cup of chia seed into 2cups of water. Cover and let it sit in the fridge or cool area for at least 2hours before use, preferably soak overnight.
Nutrient Boost:Chia seeds are rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Adding them to your yogurt can enhance the nutritional content of your meal.
Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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