Plantain Coconut Chia Pudding
Blue Zone delights
In the heart of Costa Rica lies a verdant peninsula, a lush oasis that is home to some of the world’s healthiest and longest-living people. This is Nicoya, celebrated as one of the planet’s five Blue Zones-regions where life stretches longer and fuller than anywhere else. At Blissful, our culinary journey is not just about crafting meals; it’s about weaving the essence of wellness and longevity into every bite.
Today we are thrilled to introduce a dish inspired by the very principles that guide life in Nicoya: our Plantain Chia Pudding
Nicoya’s Food Philosophy: A Blueprint for Longevity
Nicoya’s secret to longevity are profoundly interwoven with its food philosophy- a testament to the power of natural, Whole Foods in sustaining not just life, but a vibrant existence. Here are the cornerstone principles that inspired the recipe.
Whole Foods: Nicoyan diet thrives on the unprocessed bounty of the earth. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans form the crux of meals, celebrated not just for their nutritional content but for their freshness and simplicity.
Moderation: In Nicoya, food is consumed with a conscious effort toward moderation. Meals are portioned to nourish, avoiding the extremes of scarcity or excess.
Community and Celebration: Meals are more than just food; they are an opportunity for connection and joy. This communal aspect of eating is a vital ingredient in the recipe for longevity.
Plant based power: While not exclusively vegetarian, the Nicoyan diet leans heavily on plant-based sources for nutrients, energy and satisfaction.
Inspired by Nicoya, our Plantain Chia Pudding is a celebration of everything the Blue Zone stands for. Made with ripe plantains, rich coconut milk, and nutrient packed chia seeds, this dish is a statement to the simplicity, nourishment, and joy that food can bring into our lives. Each spoonful is a blend of natural sweetness and creamy texture, topped with the tropical freshness of mango and the crunch of almonds-a nod to the diversity and balance of flavors that characterize Nicoyan cuisine.
This pudding is more than just a dish; it’s a statement. A statement that food can both be delicious and deeply nourishing. That eating well can be a joyful, communal experience that connects us to the earth and to each other. And most importantly, that the principles of longevity and wellness can be deliciously integrated into our daily lives.
Savoring Longevity: The Nicoya Blue Zone- Inspired Plantain Coconut Chia Pudding
Ingredients
2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
a pinch of salt
Optional toppins: sliced almonds, coconut flakes, fresh fruit (berries or sliced mangos)
Instructions
Prepare the Plantains: In a medium skillet over medium heat, lightly sauté the sliced plantains in a splash of coconut oil until they are golden. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the plantains
Blend: allow the plantains to cool slightly, then transfer them to a blender. Add the coconut milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, honey, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Mix with the Chia Seeds: pour the mixture into a bowl and add the chia seeds. Stir well to ensure the seeds are evently distributed throughout the mixture. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and thicken the pudding as it sets.
Refrigerate: cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Serve. Once pudding has set and nicely chilled, give it a good stir. If the pudding seems too thick, you can thin it with a little coconut milk. Serve with almonds, fresh fruit and coconut flakes.
