Hey there, fellow foodies and summer lovers! Aggy here, bringing you a refreshing and healthy treat that’s perfect for those scorching Indian summers: Mango Coconut Milk Chia Seed Pudding. If you’re a mango enthusiast like me, get ready to dive into a tropical paradise with this easy-to-make, nutritious dessert!
Why I Love Indian Summers
Summers in India are my absolute favorite, and it’s all because of one thing: mangoes! There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, ripe mango on a hot day. And when it comes to mangoes, the Alphonso variety is the king. Sweet, creamy, and bursting with flavor, Alphonso mangoes make every summer magical.
A Healthy and Quick Dessert
To celebrate my love for mangoes, I’ve crafted a dessert that’s not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Mango Coconut Milk Chia Seed Pudding is my go-to treat when I need something quick, easy, and nutritious. With the goodness of mangoes, the fiber and omega-3s from chia seeds, and the natural sweetness of a little honey, this pudding is a guilt-free indulgence.
The Chemistry Behind the Pudding
Let’s talk about the fascinating chemistry happening in this delightful dessert:
Gel Formation: When chia seeds are soaked in liquid, they absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, forming a gel-like consistency. This is due to the soluble fiber in chia seeds, which swells and thickens, creating a perfect pudding texture.
Emulsification: Coconut milk is an emulsion of water and coconut oil. The fat in coconut milk provides a creamy texture, and when combined with the mango puree, it creates a smooth and luscious base for our pudding.
Enzyme Activity: Mangoes contain enzymes like amylase, which help break down starches into sugars, enhancing their sweetness. This natural sweetness means we can add just a touch of honey for extra flavor without going overboard on sugar.
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this tropical treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (rich in fiber and omega-3s)
- 1 ripe Alphonso mango (peeled and cubed)
- 2 ripe mangoes (any variety) – Pureed
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (optional, depending on the sweetness of the mango)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added flavor)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder (no dessert is complete without this!)
- Fresh mango slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, chia seeds, honey, cinnamon powder and vanilla extract. Stir well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, then stir again to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a thicker consistency.
- In a blender, puree the ripe mangoes until smooth. If the mango is very sweet, you may not need to add honey to the pudding mixture.
- Once the chia pudding has set, give it a good stir and then layer it in serving glasses with the mango puree. Start with a layer of chia pudding, followed by mango puree, and repeat until the glass is full.
- Garnish with fresh Alfonso mango cubes and mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your tropical, healthy treat!
Savor the Summer Magic!
There you have it—Aggy’s Mango Coconut Milk Chia Seed Pudding, a dessert that’s as refreshing as it is nutritious. Enjoy the creamy, fruity flavors while knowing you’re indulging in a healthy treat that’s perfect for summer.
Let me know how your chia seed pudding turns out in the comments below. Until next time, keep calm and mango on!
Yours in Flavor and Fun,
Aggy
The Culinary Chemist Extraordinaire
P.S. Share your mango madness and tropical creations with me. Let’s make summer even sweeter together! 🥭🥥🔬