A peculiar property of chia is its ability to expand and absorb fluid, forming a clear gel. As it has no particular taste, it takes on the flavours of the other ingredients. So here we use it to make a berry coulis, as a delicious alternative to jam to drizzle into yoghurt or over a pudding. It’s quick to make and requires no cornflour or starch for thickening.
Serves 4 100g berries with seeds (frozen is fine) 1 tsp chia seeds for a coulis, 2 tsp for ‘jam’ 50ml water 1/2-1 tsp maple syrup (optional) |
• CALORIES 20 • PROTEIN 1G • FAT 1G • FIBRE 1G • CARBS 3G |
Put the berries and water in a small pan and bring to the boil. When the berries begin to soften, mash them with a fork or potato masher, then add the chia seeds. Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, adding more water if it gets too thick. You can add maple syrup for a touch of sweetness if you feel you need to. The coulis/jam can be stored in a jar in the fridge for a few days.
Tip: make a berry ‘mousse’ by stirring half of one serving of berry coulis into 2 tbsp crème fraîche, then drizzling the other half on top. Easy.