Imagine spreading a vibrant, luscious jam on your morning toast that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrition – without spending hours in the kitchen or adding artificial preservatives. This Strawberry Chia Seed Jam is your ticket to a healthier, more exciting breakfast experience that takes just 10 minutes to prepare and delivers a burst of fresh strawberry flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, then chop them into small pieces to ensure even breakdown during preparation.
- Place the chopped strawberries in a medium-sized mixing bowl and use a potato masher or fork to mash the strawberries until they reach a slightly chunky consistency, leaving some texture in the fruit.
- Add the maple syrup or honey to the mashed strawberries and stir thoroughly to combine, which will help enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit.
- Incorporate the chia seeds into the strawberry mixture, stirring well to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the jam.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and mix gently, which will add a subtle depth of flavor to the jam.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the chia seeds to absorb liquid and thicken the jam naturally.
- After chilling, stir the jam and transfer it to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for storage.
- Refrigerate the jam and consume within 7-10 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Tips
- Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the most intense flavor – the better the berries, the more delicious your jam will be.
- Use a potato masher or fork to create a slightly chunky texture, which adds wonderful rustic appeal to your jam.
- For a smoother consistency, you can briefly pulse the strawberries in a food processor before mixing with other ingredients.
- Experiment with different sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or even agave nectar to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Allow sufficient chilling time (at least 2 hours) to let chia seeds fully absorb liquid and create the perfect jam-like consistency.
- Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator and consume within 7-10 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
- Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of lemon juice for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 506kcal
Carbohydrates: 98g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
