TOTAL TIME: 30 mins ( + 4 hrs refrigeration time)      

MAKES: 2-3 servings

“A Chia seed pudding is one of the most versatile dishes you can ever make. Your flavor imagination can go crazy, and chances are you'll still luck out with a dish that's delicious. This version of the Chia pudding, is me trying to recreate two of my favorite Indian sweet dishes, one is the 'Mango Lassi 'which is a yogurt drink and second is the 'Falooda' that also has sweetened milk as its main ingredient and rose syrup, vermicelli ( made from wheat, cornstarch, arrowroot or sago) and sweet basil seeds ( which soak water and form a gelatinous covering like chia seeds) and is topped up with ice-cream and chopped nuts.

Hope you find this dairy free creation as to be as satisfying and delightful and the next time your craving any of those foods, go ahead and make yourself one of these guilt-free"

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/2 cups of almond milk

• 3 mangoes

• 6 -7 tbsp. of chia seeds

• 1 tsp. cardamom powder

• 1/4 tsp. rose water

• Few strands of saffron or kesar (optional- available at an Indian or Persian grocery store)

• 1 tbsp. of honey or maple syrup ( optional, depending on your sweet palate)

• Chopped pistachios and almonds

METHOD:

• In a blender combine the pulp from two mangoes, almond milk, cardamom powder, honey and rose water.

• Finally add the chia seeds and pulse about 3-4 times, to evenly distribute the seeds through the mixture and prevent them from settling at the bottom

• Now in your serving bowls, cut up and add chunks of mango to the bottom and then transfer over the chia mix. Top with chopped nuts, more mango chunks and saffron strands.

• Refrigerate for at least 4 - 6 hours or overnight.

 HOLISTIC HIGHLIGHTS

Chia, means 'Strength' in the Mayan language and the Aztec warriors would consume it as a sustained source of energy. This super food is power packed with vital nutrients that provide numerous health benefits. So if you have been sitting on the fence about Chia, wondering how to or whether or not to incorporate them into your diet, you are losing out on a very simple nutritious food that will improve your health on many levels. It's rich in protein, Omega-3's and fiber and also has loads of vitamins and minerals.

Its antioxidants help promote healthy aging and healthy skin. It's high dietary fiber content is beneficial for diabetics, as it slows down carbohydrate digestion and also promotes healthy and regular bowel movements thereby helping the body get rid of toxins. Chia seeds have also been found to help boost energy and metabolism levels and assist with burning visceral belly fat. It's omega-3 content helps with heart health and brain health by minimizing the damaging effects of inflammation on these tissues especially.

Mangoes, are not known as the KING of the fruit kingdom for nothing. I LOVE MANGOES!!!

They are packed with nutrients. Its vitamin A, vitamin C and flavonoids (like beta carotene, alpha carotene etc.) helps keep our tissues healthy, skin healthy, provides immune support and also promotes healthy eyesight.