Chia Seeds Are The Key To Thickening Your Overnight Oats
Breakfast lovers are probably keenly aware of the super easy, nutritious, and fulfilling breakfast option known as overnight oats. In case you have not yet tried your hand at making this amazing meal, there are many irresistible overnight oats recipes with which to start. But if you want to make them truly thick, delicious, and filling, we have a little secret for you. Just add chia seeds to the mix and watch them expand in moisture to make the dish heartier and even tastier.
Chia seeds are a favorite ingredient for many dishes because of their numerous health benefits. However, they are the perfect fit when it comes to using them in traditional overnight oats. Apart from their value as a thickening agent, they offer several ways to elevate this dish and make it even more wholesome and tasty. Wondering how chia seeds accomplish this? Here's the lowdown on using chia seeds in your overnight oats.
How chia seeds can elevate your overnight oats
Chia seeds have the magical ability to expand when soaked in water or other liquids. Apart from increasing in size, they also take on a gelatinous texture that adds heftiness to your overnight oats. The texture that chia seeds bring to this dish makes it thick and luscious, almost like a tapioca pudding.
Apart from their talent for thickening overnight oats, chia seeds bring a few other nutritional benefits to the table. As an ingredient widely recognized for a variety of health perks, chia seeds are high in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, Chia seeds are packed with protein, calcium, and magnesium. That's quite the resume.
Now that you're likely convinced of the value of adding chia seeds to your overnight oats, you may be wondering what's the best way to incorporate them. All you need to do is simply add them to the mix with your rolled oats and other favorite overnight oats ingredients, and adjust the amount of liquid being used.
Other ways to make sure your overnight oats are the best they can be
To make the best possible version of overnight oats there are a few other tips to keep in mind. Firstly, as mentioned, it is important to get the ratio of oats and chia to liquid just right. Try using one portion of the oats and chia seeds combo for every two portions of milk. This ensures the consistency is thick, creamy, and not runny.
You could also add in Greek yogurt for an extra dash of protein and a nice tangy, rich flavor. Vanilla and honey or maple syrup are sweeteners that are sure to be a hit. You could even experiment by adding just a pinch of salt to see how much flavor you can bring out of your ingredients overnight. Topping your finished creation with nuts and chopped fruit or berries will also enhance your overnight oats and make them even more nutritious. Don't be afraid to bring different spices into the mix too – ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon all work beautifully in many overnight oats recipes.