I just had to share this quick one! An instant and nutritious, rich chocolate dessert fix . . . if you're thinking of reaching for some chocolate you must make this instead! So easy and soooo great!! I get to enjoy this dessert all to myself tonight . . .I promise I won't eat the whole lot :) . . but I'm sure it will be a hit with my girls too. The ground chia goes to work to provide instant thickening power for this recipe, owing to the gelation properties of the soluble fibre contained within the seeds which is released immediately on grinding.
ingredients
4 tbsp (50g) chia seeds
1 can organic coconut milk (choose one which is additive free & avoid low-fat)
5-6 fresh dates, pitted
3 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
2 drops liquid stevia (or to taste)
4 ice cubes
method
1. Add chia seeds to the TM bowl and grind on speed 9 for 20 seconds into a fine powder.
2. Add remaining ingredients and blend on speed 9 for 30 seconds or until smooth, with the MC lid in place. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. . . and there you have it! Guilt-free, rich, chocolate-y deliciousness!
Serves 2-4 depending on your appetite :)
This chocolate dessert will even keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. It retains it's mousse-like texture very nicely :)
variation ideas
- add a few drops of orange or peppermint essential oil for a choc-orange or choc-mint flavour
- grind some hazelnuts with the chia for a 'Baci' inspired flavour
- add 1 tbsp of a superfood powder blend for an antioxidant boost
- if you have a sweet tooth add a couple more dates or another drop of liquid stevia :)
- don't try flaxseeds in place of chia for this recipe, they have a stronger taste
nutrition tid bits
There's nothing better than the feeling you get from satisfying that chocolate craving, whilst fueling your body with a nutrient dense treat! This dessert is packed full of nutrition from chia and raw cacao in particular, which combined provide you with a high-quality dose of omega-3 fats, iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium, protein and a range of beneficial phytochemicals and antioxidants.
You'll also notice how just one small bowl of this dessert fills you up very nicely :) This is the fibre in chia working to absorb liquid and gel up, not only in your bowl of chocolate goodness, but also in your stomach. Of course, the fibre in chia also helps with your digestion and even slows the conversion of carbohydrates to glucose, reducing blood sugar spikes. All in all, there are many reasons to treat yourself with this dessert every night :) Why not? I say.
no thermomix?
If you don't own a Thermomix, you'll need a coffee grinder to grind up the chia seeds and a good blender to do the rest :)
source: unfortunately I can't take full credit for this amazing recipe . . . Erin from Earth Energy Yoga is the miracle worker. I have simply made a couple of tweaks and adapted it for the Thermomix. Thank you Erin! Thank you also to the lovely Thermo Bel for sharing this recipe with us on her Facebook page.
Thermomix soups are the perfect solution for a night in. I often make one as a quick and easy, wholesome and nutritious mid-week meal. Find out why I love the Thermomix for soup-making here.
This recipe is based on one that I found in the Delicious 2012 diary. It's just gorgeous and so easy to make in the Thermomix . . . as all soups are of course! My family loves a tasty soup and this one fits the bill. I have added it to our list of favourites, in which Quirky Cooking's chicken & brown rice and creamy smoked salmon soups feature prominently :)
I must admit, that it does look a little anaemic in the photo below!? Think I'll add a carrot to the mix next time :) But don't let looks deceive you . . . this soup is deeelicious I promise! It goes a long way too. . . I usually end up taking the leftovers into work for a yummy lunch :)
Bacon, red lentil & coconut soup
ingredients
180g red lentils, rinsed, drained
400g middle bacon, trimmed (organic if possible)
20g coconut oil
4 garlic cloves
2 leeks, trimmed, chopped
1/2 - 2 tsp dried chilli flakes
1.5 - 2 tbsp TM chicken or vegetable stock paste
700g filtered water
400g coconut milk
juice of 1 fresh lime (or to taste)
chopped fresh coriander & spring onion, to serve
method
1. Weigh red lentils in the rice basket, rinse well and set aside.
2. Place garlic, leek and bacon in the TM bowl, set to closed lid and pulse 3-4 times until evenly chopped. Add your carrot here . . ha ha
3. Add oil and sauté for 3 minutes at 100°C on speed 1.
4. Add rinsed lentils, chilli flakes, chicken stock paste, water and coconut milk to the TM bowl. Cook for 15 minutes at 100°C, speed 1.
5. To blend: Put the MC lid in place and slowly wind up the dial to speed 5 for 20 seconds.
6. Add lime juice to taste, then season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve garnished with spring onion and fresh coriander.
nutrition tid bit
Wondering if it's OK to eat bacon? For a discussion which may surprise you, read this.
