This no-cook, fresh “jam” is perfect for a light breakfast or spooned over oatmeal, toast, pancakes or waffles.
I finally get it when people say they aren’t hungry for breakfast. I am not sure if it’s aging or what, but over the past few months I have had no desire to eat breakfast. I don’t even want to think about it, mainly because I have so many other things I need to do. However, give it an hour or two after waking and I turn into Miss Crabby Crab and your head might get bitten off I don’t get food in my system.
So I’ve fixed the problem. I must have quick and easy things in the fridge ready to pull out upon waking. I don’t want to have to think about “what should I fix?”. I just want to grab and eat. I have found a few things that have really been great for when the breakfast desire hits….pre-made breakfast tacos, overnight oats and my newest creation…this no-cook chia seed “jam” made with fresh strawberries and chia seeds.
I really struggled with what to call this. It’s not sweet like jam and I literally ate the jar in one sitting, which isn’t what you’d do with jam. There is only a tiny bit of added sugar….and you can hardly call it a recipe which is sort of like jam. So….I still don’t know what to call it, but I am sticking with “jam”.
Has anyone else wondered what to do with chia seeds? They are just so weird! But also very nutritious and I am kind of obsessed with adding them to stuff now.
One ounce (28 grams) has ~9 grams of fat (lots of good omega 3 fatty acids), 10 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein and 120 calories. That’s just 2 Tablespoons! They also provide antioxidants and ~30% of magnesium, manganese and phosphorus. If you are looking for other ways to enjoy them, just sprinkle some into your smoothies or oatmeal, soup or salads.
As they mix with a little liquid they create a sort of gelatinous substance. Sounds strange but think of it as a natural thickener.
It’s not syrupy like jam because I didn’t cook the fruit down but you could totally do that if you want. Just heat the fruit in a small saucepan with the orange juice and sweetener until it starts to break down, then add the chia seeds and store in the jar.
But sometimes I am lazy therefore decided to try this uncooked. You can eat it straight out of the jar, although it probably won’t keep you full for too long since it’s just berries with the chia seeds, or you could spoon it over pancakes, toast, oatmeal, you name it.
[Tweet “Fresh strawberries + Chia seeds = a super simple breakfast and no-cook “jam”! via @nutritiouseats”]
You could change the fruit and/or juice used too!
So what do YOU do with your chia seeds?
- ¾ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- 3 Tablespoons orange juice
- ½-1 teaspoon agave (depending on how sweet your like it)
- 1 Tablespoon chia seeds
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Spoon into a jar and keep in the refrigerator overnight. Enjoy with a spoon or over toast, oatmeal, pancakes or waffles.
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chia jam is the best! love how this has only a few ingredients! 🙂
athletic avocado recently posted..Crispy Asian Chick’n Zoodle Salad
It would probably be even better cooked, lol, but like I said I was feeling lazy. Thanks!
YUM! And how simple. Step aside store bought jams, this new FRESH strawberry chia seed jam is taking the stage! Love this, beautiful photos too!
Elizabeth recently posted..Comment on Hatch Chile Salsa Verde by Melanie @ Nutritious Eats
Thanks Elizabeth 🙂 I am sure it would be even better cooked, but I didn’t want to bother with the extra step. 😉 I see why raw food diets are popular. lol
oh my goodness – I had no idea how easy this was! I will make some with my kids the next chance we get!
Kate – Highlights Along the Way recently posted..Water Saving Strategies – making the most of every drop with Scotts® EveryDrop™
Thanks Kate!
This looks amazing! I want to try this with peaches.. they have been SO delicious this year.. I can’t get enough of them 🙂
Liz recently posted..How Biking 25 Miles Changed My Life
Oh yeah, peaches would be awesome. As long as they are really ripe. And now I want a peach! 😉
Wow, I love the idea of using chia seeds in jam— they are the perfect texture for jam and I look forward to trying it out, I bet it would be great with blackberries, too!
Thanks Emily. Blackberry would be great!
I’ve gotten into chia seeds recently too! This recipe sounds so good! I definitely love quick and easy breakfasts that I don’t have to spend too much time prepping.
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Thanks Melanie. Now if I could have someone prepare me my simple healthy breakfasts it would be even better! 😉
The orange juice is a nice little twist!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted..Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken
Thanks girl! 😉
I love chia anything!! They really do have such an interesting texture when they form a gel, and I bet they’re perfect as a jam! Thanks for the recipe!
Amber @ Homemade Nutrition recently posted..Three-Ingredient Blueberry Peach Smoothie
I know! The first time I had a drink with them in I sort of freaked out a little. The texture has definitely grown on me!
Sounds awesome and so easy…thanks:)
Such a wonderful recipe! I can’t wait to try it for my kids! Chia!!! Thanks for sharing!
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Oh my gosh, you had me at chia too! I love chia seeds and am with Emily, I think I am going to try this with blackberries too, and maybe apple??? Thanks so much for this recipe and the ideas!
With a smile, Carlyn 🙂
Carlyn Bullock recently posted..13 Free Colorful Sunrise Photos from Beautiful Ballast Point Pier
This looks right up my alley! I am envisioning it over some pancakes combined with some peanut butter…yum yum!
This sounds amazing…and easy too! Can’t wait to try it. Love chia seeds!
Deborah recently posted..How to Make the Perfect Two Egg Omelet
This is brilliant! I’ve never liked having to add tons of sugar and pectin to jam to thicken it so I rarely make it. I’m going to have to try your recipe!
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