Have You Tried this Super Food…Chia Seeds?

If you don’t think you have heard of chia seeds, you probably know them from the popular “Chia Pet” that used to be advertised on TV. Actually chia seeds have been used for hundreds of years by native American cultures as a “super food”. There are many health benefits to the seeds (either in gel form or dry) such as improving digestion, slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar, and prolonging energy and endurance. In addition, chia seeds are a good source of antioxidants, calcium, fiber, protein, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Incorporating these little seeds into our diet is a healthy and smart thing to do.

My husband recently brought home a bag of these seeds and I began looking into how to use them. So far I have them added them to banana bread, salads, and as a boost to the kids’ protein shakes. I found the following article on How to use Chia Seeds, and I’m anxious to try some of their ideas. Has anyone else used Chia Seeds?
How to use Chia Seeds
1. Make basic chia gel. Combine 1/3 cup chia seeds to every 2 cups distilled water in an airtight container. Shake vigorously to combine, allow to set for 90 seconds, then shake again. Store your chia gel in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can incorporate this tasteless gel into any liquid or semi-liquid food such as pudding, salad dressing, soup, jam, yogurt, cereal or dip.

2. Sprinkle them. Shake out 1 or 2 tbsp. of dry chia seeds on your salad, yogurt, cold cereal, oatmeal, soup or fruit cup.

3. Drink them. Using a coffee grinder, pulverize 1 or 2 tbsp. of dry chia seeds into a powder-like consistency. Add the ground chia seeds to your morning juice, coffee or tea for an energizing start to your day.

4. Blend them into a smoothie. Grind 2 tbsp. dry chia seeds in a coffee grinder. In a blender, combine the ground chia seeds with 2 cups of kefir or skim milk and blend on medium speed for 10 to 15 seconds. Add approximately 2 cups of the fruit or fruits of your choice, blend well on medium speed for 15 to 20 seconds or until thick and creamy. If you need to thicken your smoothie, add more fruit or a little yogurt.

5. Bake them into your cakes, cookies, muffins, breads and brownies. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dry chia seeds to your homemade baked goods. Grinding the seeds is optional. If you enjoy a bit of extra “crunch,” add whole seeds, but if you want to blend the seeds discretely into your recipe, pulverize them in a coffee grinder before adding them.

6. Stir-fry them. In a large skillet, saute 1/8 cup each olive and sesame oil with 1/2 cup chopped onion, 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp. minced ginger root. Add 3 tbsp. tamari and 3/4 cup distilled water, and saute for another three to four minutes. Add 1/4 cup dry chia seeds and 4 to 6 cups of the vegetables of your choice. Salt to taste. Saute, cover and simmer for eight to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For more information and recipes go to Chia Seeds. Anyone have any other uses or recipes for chia seeds?