Banana Chia Seeds Pudding +12M

Are you looking for an easy breakfast idea for your kids? What about a banana chia seeds pudding without refined sugars? In one teaspoon you will have protein + Omega3 fatty acids + carbs + fiber. All excellent to start the day with good energy.

What really makes the difference between a fruit puree and a nutritious pudding is the chia: those little seeds change both the texture and the nutritional value of the recipe.

Chia seeds are considered a super food for adults…well, they are a super food for kids too!! Excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids (fuel for the brain), chia seeds are a rich concentrate of protein, fiber, calcium and iron. Let’s also add the high antioxidant value (better than berries!!). Impressive.

That being said…can I give Chia seeds to my baby? I would suggest to wait up until 12 months because of the fiber amount.

An immature digestive system, like a baby’s one, is not ready to fully process and digest chia seeds (that’s why if you give them to your baby you will easily see them in their stools exactly as they got in, not digested at all). So, if you give chia seeds to your baby you will not hurt her. She will just not benefit of the amazing nutritional benefits of chia seeds simply because her body is not able yet to process and absorb them.

That being said, once your baby’s digestive system will get stronger (at around 12 months of age) you can start adding chia seeds in so many yummy recipes like today’s chia pudding with banana and dates 🙂

The procedure is extremely simple: in a food processor add 2 very ripen bananas. When I say very, I really mean it. The more brown spots they have, the sweeter they are 🙂 Also add the dates, the coconut milk (yes, you can use any kind of milk you like), and the vanilla paste.

I really liked the vanilla paste touch as I could taste the vanilla grains in the pudding. Even better if you can use vanilla pods, they will really enhance the vanilla flavor.

Blend everything in order to obtain a smooth cream.

Add the chia seeds and mix with a spoon.

Transfer the banana mix in 2 or 4 glasses or cups. The suggested quantities will make 2 adult portions or 4 kids ones. Cover and let it rest overnight in the refrigerator. This part is VERY important.

Chia seeds, once immersed in a liquid, can absorb up until 9  times the volume of their weight. Soaking the seeds in the milk/banana mix overnight (or for 6/8 hours) will give the seeds the chance to absorb the liquid without doing it inside your kids’ stomach…causing an annoying tummy ache.

That’s also how the chia seeds will transform the fruit puree into a lovely gelatin pudding.

You can serve the chia pudding right from the refrigerator or at room temperature (remove it from the refrigerator 10 min before serving).

Few more comments:

• grainy texture. The seeds will keep their seed texture and will make the pudding grainy. If you think that this will be an issue for your little one, simply use an immersion blender to break the seeds into nothing and obtain a smooth consistency.
• brownish color. That’s the banana oxidation. There is nothing you can do, it’s a natural process that happens when the banana pulp gets in contact with air. The flavor/nutritional value will stay intact. It’s just an aesthetic color change.

I would suggest to enjoy the banana chia pudding within 2 days.

Are you looking for other pudding recipes? You might like these ones too:

• Dairy free vanilla pudding with raspberry sauce recipe
• Banana tapioca pumpkin pudding
• Banana quinoa pudding
• Peach apricot summer pudding
• Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with fresh berries sauce