Chia Seeds

What is a Chia Seed? This little seed is gluten free and has excellent health benefits! Always soak your chia seeds before use. They can absorb about 20 times their weight in water. This means if you don't soak them before eating them, they will absorb water from your digestive tract...

Simply mix 1/4 c chia seeds in 2 c water. Stir well to remove clumps. Keep chia jell in the refrigerator in a glass container with a tight fitting lid. Chia seed jell will keep for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator, so keep the jar handy at all times to use in smoothies and other dishes.

Here are some Chia Seed Recipes:

Chia Seed Ranch Dressing
1/2 c cashews
3/4 c water
2 T lemon juice (or 1/2 a lemon squeezed)
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t salt
1 t dried basil
1 t dried dill
1/2 t maple syrup (optional)
2 T chia seeds

Place all ingredients, except seeds, in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into container, stir in the chia seeds, and let sit sit for at least 10 min. while the seeds absorb liquid and swell (creates a good texture.) Enjoy!

Chia Seed BBQ Sauce/Dip
1 c fresh tomatoes
1/4 c onion
1/2 c marinated sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 t minced garlic
1/2 t dried or 4 fresh basil leaves
1/2 c Medjool dates, pitted
2 T chia seed
1-2 c fresh tomato juice (adjust according to desired thickness)
1/4 c Braggs Liquid Aminos

Blend ingredients except chia seeds until smooth. Stir in chia seed and allow to sit for 10 min. Can also add more tomato juice as desired. Yummy with veggies.

Carrot Tomato Chia Dressing
2 c fresh carrot juice
1 handful cherry tomatoes
4-6 fresh basil leaves
1 + oz Grano Padano Cheese
4 T Chia Seed

Blend all ingredients together except chia seeds in a blender and adjust the amount of Grano Padano used to taste. Then stir in Chia seed by hand and allow dressing to thicken for 10 min. and blend again (or leaves seeds whole. Enjoy as a dip for veggies or a on a salad.

Strawberry Feta Dip
10 strawberries
1/4 c feta cheese
1/4 c almond milk
1/2 T maple syrup
1 t Italian Seasoning
1/2 T balsamic vinegar
1/8 c red onion
4 T chia seed

Combine all ingredients except chia seed into a blender and blend until smooth. Then stir in chia seed and allow to sit 10 minutes until it thickens.

Mediterranean Hummus
1 14/5 oz can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 c sun-dried tomatoes, cut into small pieces
1-2 c almond milk
1-2 T Johnny's Garlic Spread (from Costco)
1.5 T Italian Herbal Seasning
2 T chia seed
3/4 grated Grana Padano (also at Costco), optional

Add beans, milk, garlic spread, herbal seasoning, and cheese to blender and blend until smooth. For into the sundried tomatoes and chia seeds. This will turn into a nice thick tasty hummus.

Italian Marinara Dressing
1 28 oz can Roma Tomatoes (or raw tomatoes)
1 c fresh carrot juice
4-6 fresh basil leaves
1 + oz Grano Padano Cheese (optional)
5 T chia seed

Add all contents to blender except chia seed; blend until smooth, then add chia seed. Allow to sit 10 minutes to thicken.

Use as a dip, pasta sauce, or salad dressing!