Mixing bowl or jar with a lid (for soaking chia seeds)
Spoon or whisk (for mixing)
Coffee cup or mug
Ingredients
1shot espresso (or 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee)
1tablespoonchia seeds
1/2cupmilk (dairy or plant-based)
1teaspoonsweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar)
1/4teaspoonvanilla extract (optional)
Cinnamon or cocoa powder (for garnish)
Instructions
Brew Your Espresso Or Strong Coffee
Begin by brewing a fresh shot of espresso or 1/4 cup of strong coffee. This coffee will serve as the base for your Chia Cappuccino, so it’s crucial to ensure it is robust and flavorful. You can use an espresso machine, a French press, or a stovetop moka pot to prepare your coffee.Once brewed, pour the coffee into a cup and set it aside, ensuring it remains hot to complement the chia seeds and milk.
Soak Chia Seeds In Milk
Next, you'll need to soak the chia seeds in your choice of milk. This step is crucial as it allows the chia seeds to expand and create a creamy texture.- Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and 1/2 cup of your preferred milk (dairy or plant-based options like almond or coconut milk).- Stir: Mix well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the milk.- Let it Sit: Allow the mixture to sit for at least 15 minutes, or until the chia seeds have fully absorbed the milk and formed a thick, pudding-like consistency. For an even creamier texture, you can prepare this the night before and refrigerate it.Once the chia seeds have soaked, you can proceed to the next step of your recipe!
Heat And Froth The Milk
Once the chia seeds have soaked, it's time to heat and froth the milk. This step adds a luxurious, creamy texture to your Chia Cappuccino.Heating: Pour the milk into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.Frothing: Use a handheld frother or a steam wand to froth the milk. Aim for a smooth, velvety foam.If you don't have a frother, you can whisk the milk vigorously to create foam. Alternatively, shake the heated milk in a jar with a tight lid to form bubbles.
Combine Espresso, Milk, And Sweetener
Now, combine the brewed espresso, soaked chia seeds, and frothed milk. This is where all the flavors come together.- Pour the brewed espresso into a large mug.- Add the soaked chia seeds to the coffee. Stir well to mix.- Slowly pour the frothed milk over the coffee and chia seed mixture.- Sweeten to taste with honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener.Ensure everything is well combined. The chia seeds should be evenly dispersed throughout the drink, creating a unique texture and flavor.
Garnish With Cinnamon Or Cocoa Powder And Serve
Finally, add the finishing touches to your Chia Cappuccino with a garnish.Cinnamon: Sprinkle a light dusting of ground cinnamon over the foam.Cocoa Powder: For a chocolatey twist, use a small sieve to dust cocoa powder on top.Additional Garnishes: Consider adding a few chocolate shavings or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.Serve your Chia Cappuccino immediately. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors and the health benefits of chia seeds in every sip.