In today’s fast-paced world, starting your day with a breakfast that combines convenience, nutrition, and indulgence is necessity. Seema Shah’s Layered Vegan Chia Delight is perfect for nourishing and fuelling your body —effortlessly blending wellness with flavour.
Designed for the modern, discerning palate, this protein-packed recipe offers an elegant balance of energising chia seeds, fragrant spices, and refreshing tropical fruits. Whether you’re powering through your next business venture or heading to a workout, this quick and easy morning fuel will leave you nourished, satisfied, and ready to conquer the day ahead.
Experience a burst of wellness with every spoonful, enriched with the warm notes of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom, offset by the natural sweetness of mango and the crunch of seeds. Your mornings just got a little more luxurious—because you deserve nothing less.
Layered Vegan Chia Delight: A Protein-Packed Morning Fuel
This plant-based, high-protein chia delight is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Packed with nourishing ingredients, it’s the perfect breakfast to keep you full and energised right through until lunch.
Chia seeds provide fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, while the plant-based protein powder ensures you get a satisfying dose of protein to kickstart your day. The warming spices of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom add a comforting flavour, while fresh mango and crunchy seeds offer a delightful contrast.
Ingredients:
Chia Layer:
4 tablespoons chia seeds
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
¼ teaspoon clove powder
½ teaspoon cardamom powder
12 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or other liquid sweetener of choice)
Protein Powder Layer:
1 scoop (30 grams) plant-based vanilla protein powder
8 tablespoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk such as coconut or oat)
Few strands of saffron
Toppings:
Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and mango slices (or fruits/nuts of choice)
Method:
1. Prepare the chia layer: In a bowl, mix the chia seeds with cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. Add the maple syrup and water a few tablespoons at a time, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken as the chia seeds absorb the liquid and form a gel.
2. Prepare the protein layer: In a separate bowl, mix the vanilla protein powder with saffron strands. Gradually add almond milk, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring until you achieve a thick, smooth consistency.
3. Layering: In a glass jar or container, alternate layers of the chia mixture and protein powder mixture. Begin with the chia mixture and end with the protein layer on top. This chia delight can be prepped the night before and stored in the fridge for a convenient grab-and-go breakfast.
4. Top and enjoy: Before serving, top the vegan delight with toppings of your choice – I’ve used pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and mango slices.
Enjoy it with a glass of plant-based milk, tea, or coffee!
Health Benefits:
Chia seeds are a nutrient powerhouse. They’re rich in dietary fibre (supporting digestion), omega-3 fatty acids (promoting heart health), and plant-based protein. They’re also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Cinnamon, clove, and cardamom add warmth and flavour while offering anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. These spices can also help regulate blood sugar levels.
Plant-based protein powder provides a concentrated source of protein, supporting muscle repair and helping you feel full for longer. It contains essential amino acids, too.
Almond milk is a low-calorie, dairy-free milk alternative that provides vitamin E, supporting skin health and containing healthy fats.
Saffron is packed with antioxidants and is known for its mood-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds offer a crunchy texture alongside healthy fats, zinc, and vitamin E, which are beneficial for immune health and skin.
Mango adds natural sweetness and a dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Flavour Alternatives:
1. Chocolate twist: Swap the vanilla protein powder for chocolate-flavoured plant-based protein for a rich, indulgent flavour.
2. Spiced warmth: Experiment with adding dry ginger powder, a pinch of nutmeg, or even cocoa powder to the chia layer for a cosy, autumn-inspired version.
3. Quick prep: If you’re short on time, skip the layering process! Simply mix the chia and protein layers together and add your toppings. You’ll still enjoy all the flavours in a simplified version.
This delicious breakfast will energise your morning and keep you satisfied through lunch—perfect for busy days when you need a nutritious boost!
Seema Shah
Harmonious Way to Health
