CHIA SEED JAM: 4 INGREDIENTS, 3 WAYS

Hi all! Happy Thursday!

Jams are my jam (oh yeah, pun intended). They come in so many flavors and varieties and are super versatile. You can definitely do way more than the traditional PB&J (which is also amazing, but we'll save that for another day). 

Traditional jams are usually FULL of sugar. I wanted to share my way to make jam super fast, more nutritious and less sugary. 

How? I am glad you asked! Using chia seeds as the way to thicken the jam. Chia seeds are pretty magical. They are super versatile, super nutritious  and can totally transform. Nutritionally, chia seeds are full of fiber and have omega 3's. Chia seeds plump up when mixed with a liquid and create a tapioca-esque texture. Trust me, more recipes to come with these amazing seeds. 

Shopping Savings Tip: Buy them in the bulk section of your grocery store. They last forever and are cheaper this way. Once I am home, I store them in a large mason jar for ease.

Not only are the chia seeds super versatile, but so are these jams. These are fantastic because you can totally customize it using the fruits you love and can use either fresh or frozen fruits. To make it even more easy and versatile you can cook it on the stovetop OR in the microwave. So, really there is no reason why you shouldn't make this ASAP. 

PEACH CHIA SEED JAM

This recipe uses fresh peaches and the stove top.

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 peaches, chopped
• 1.5 tbsp hot honey (can use any honey here)
• Juice of ½  lemon
• 2 tbsp chia seeds

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add peaches, honey and lemon juice to a medium sauce pot.
2. Cook for 5 minutes or until softened, Stirring frequently.
3. Mash together until your desired consistency. (I prefer it to be a little chunky, but totally up to you!)
4. Add chia seeds and stir together.
5. Let cool to room temperature or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chia seeds to do their thing and turn this mixture into jam. 
6. ​Enjoy!

BLUEBERRY CHIA SEED JAM

This recipe uses fresh blueberries and the microwave

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pint blueberries, chopped
• 1.5 tbsp honey 
• Juice of ½  lemon
• ​2 tbsp chia seeds

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add blueberries, honey and lemon juice to a microwave safe plate. Cover.
2. Cook for a total of 2-2.5 minutes at time until softened, Stirring after every 30 seconds. 
3. ​Mash together until your desired consistency. (I prefer it to be a little chunky, but totally up to you!)
4. Add chia seeds and stir together.
5. Let cool to room temperature or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chia seeds to do their thing and turn this mixture into jam. 
6. Enjoy!

STRAWBERRY CHIA SEED JAM

This recipe uses frozen strawberries and the microwave. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 ounces of frozen strawberries
• Juice of ½  lemon
• 2-3 tbsp chia seeds

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add strawberries, honey and lemon juice to a microwave safe plate. Cover.
2. Cook for a total of 2-2.5 minutes at time until softened, Stirring after every 30 seconds. 
3. Mash together until your desired consistency. (I prefer it to be a little chunky, but totally up to you!)
4. Add chia seeds and stir together.
5. Let cool to room temperature or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chia seeds to do their thing and turn this mixture into jam. 
6. Enjoy!

​*Note: I did not add sugar to the strawberry jam. The frozen strawberries I used already had sugar added. Check your ingredient list. Aim for only strawberries listed. 

My favorite way to enjoy these jams is on toast with topped with cashew cream cheese or almond butter. What are some of your favorite ways to eat jam? Let us know by sharing below or by #MealPlanningMethod.


christy

P.S. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter! Here you will receive some extra goodies from The Meal Planning Method. (Sign up on the right side of this screen.)