Easy Chia Seed Cereal Recipe – Cashew, Coconut & Cardamom Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Chia Seed Cereal Recipe – Cashew, Coconut & Cardamom Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… hectic. Between getting ready and tackling the day, a quick, healthy breakfast often falls by the wayside. But I’ve found the perfect solution – a no-cook chia seed cereal that’s packed with flavour and takes just 10 minutes to prep! Seriously, this cashew, coconut & cardamom delight is a game changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average cereal. It’s a delightful blend of textures and tastes, inspired by the flavours I grew up with. It’s crunchy, subtly sweet, and wonderfully aromatic. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your liking with different fruits, milks, and even a little extra spice! It’s perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or even a light summer dessert.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this goodness:

• ?? cup chia seeds
• ?? cup pumpkin seeds (no shell)
• ?? cup coconut flakes
• ?? cup flaxseed meal
• ?? cup coconut sugar
• ?? cup raw cashews (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

• Cardamom: Oh, cardamom! This spice is huge in Indian breakfasts. My grandmother always added a pinch to her chai and kheer, and it instantly makes everything feel special. It’s warm, fragrant, and adds a beautiful complexity to this cereal.
• Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are nutritional powerhouses! They’re packed with fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, keeping you full and energized.
• Coconut Flakes: I recommend using unsweetened coconut flakes. You want a good quality flake that’s still slightly moist – it adds to the texture. Look for flakes that aren’t overly browned.
• Flaxseed Meal: Don’t skip the flaxseed meal! It’s another fantastic source of omega-3s and fibre. Using the meal (ground flaxseed) is key, as your body absorbs the nutrients much better. You can easily grind whole flaxseeds at home in a spice grinder or blender.
• Cashews: I prefer raw cashews for this recipe, as they have a more subtle flavour. Chopping them gives a nice bite, but you could use whole cashews if you prefer.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get mixing! This is the easiest part.

1. Grab a mason jar – or any jar with a lid, really.
2. Add the chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, flaxseed meal, coconut sugar, chopped cashews, and cardamom powder.
3. Now, give it a good shake! Make sure everything is nicely combined. This is where the fun begins – watching all those lovely ingredients mingle.
4. For serving, scoop about ½ cup of the cereal mixture into a bowl.
5. Pour 1 cup of your preferred milk (almond, coconut, or cashew) over the cereal and stir thoroughly. I love using cashew milk for extra creaminess!
6. Top with fresh fruit like berries, mango, or banana for added flavour and texture.
7. Enjoy immediately! Seriously, this is best when it’s fresh.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t overfill the jar when mixing – you need room to shake!
• If you find the cereal a little too sweet, reduce the amount of coconut sugar.
• For a more intense cardamom flavour, add a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Go for it!

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan, as long as you use a plant-based milk!
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Simply replace the cashews with sunflower seeds or hemp seeds.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you really love cardamom, feel free to add another ¼ teaspoon. A tiny pinch of cinnamon also works beautifully.
• Festival Adaptation: During Makar Sankranti or Pongal, I love adding seasonal fruits like dates and figs to this cereal for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This cereal is amazing on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• A dollop of yogurt (dairy or plant-based) adds a lovely tang.
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Storage Instructions

This cereal is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the dry mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. Just don’t add the milk until you’re ready to eat it!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. Can I make this cereal ahead of time? How long will it stay fresh?

You can definitely make the dry mix ahead of time! It will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a month. However, once you add the milk, it’s best to eat it immediately.

2. What milk alternatives work best with this cereal?

Almond, coconut, cashew, and oat milk all work beautifully. I personally love cashew milk for its creamy texture, but it really comes down to personal preference.

3. Can I add protein powder to this cereal?

Absolutely! Feel free to add a scoop of your favourite protein powder to the mix.

4. Is this cereal suitable for kids? Are there any allergy concerns?

This cereal is generally suitable for kids, but always check for allergies. Cashews are a common allergen, so be mindful of that.

5. What are the health benefits of including flaxseed meal in my breakfast?

Flaxseed meal is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and lignans, which have antioxidant properties. It’s great for heart health, digestion, and overall well-being.

6. Can I use whole cashews instead of chopped?

You can! It will change the texture slightly, but it’s perfectly fine to use whole cashews if you prefer.