Got Strawberries?
Occasionally, I find myself with way more strawberries than I can possibly enjoy while they are fresh, so it is helpful to have a list of go-to recipes that will help to capture all of that strawberry goodness in a variety of ways. In addition to strawberry avocado salsa and smoothies, the Chia Seed Jam recipe below is one of my favorites!
Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, folate (vitamin B9), and potassium, and they contain small amounts of several other vitamins and minerals.
Bonus: they are sweet and delicious!
Chia seeds are rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and antioxidants.
Combine them with some vanilla, and you get a yummy Chia Jam! Making chia jam requires minimal effort and time. It’s a quick, fuss-free process that rewards you with a delicious and versatile spread.
6 Ways to Enjoy Strawberry Vanilla Chia Jam
- Spread it on Toast: Start your day with a slice of crusty bread, toasted and generously slathered with chia jam. It adds a burst of fruity goodness to your morning routine.
- Swirl it in Yogurt: Take a bowl of your favorite yogurt, top it with a spoonful (or two) of chia jam, and gently swirl.
- Fill Pastry Delights: Doing some baking? Chia jam is a wonderful filling for pastries, thumbprint cookies, or croissants. Dollop it in the center, fold and seal, and let the magic unfold in your oven.
- Dress Up Pancakes: Transform your ordinary pancakes into a culinary masterpiece by adding a dollop of chia jam on top. It adds a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the fluffy pancakes.
- Drizzle it on Ice Cream: Take a scoop of your favorite gelato or ice cream and drizzle some chia jam on top. The contrast of cold and sweet with the tanginess of the jam is truly divine.
- Mix it in Smoothies: Adding a spoonful of chia jam to your favorite smoothie can elevate its taste and give it a delightful texture.
Strawberry Vanilla Chia Jam
Materials
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 tbsp honey, maple syrup or sweetener of your choice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, chia seeds, sweetener, and vanilla extract.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens.
- Mash the berries with a fork or potato masher to your desired consistency.
- Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken the jam.
- Remove from heat and let it cool before transferring to a jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- This will yield approximately 1 to 1 ½ cups of jam, depending on the consistency you desire.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist living in Greensboro, North Carolina. I help people overcome nutrition obstacles and help them meet their nutrition and wellness goals.
Hi, I’m Mona. I have been living with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) for over ten years. As a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) I help others with MS to navigate the nutrition superhighway and make sustainable progress toward their unique wellness goals.