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Basil seeds make a convenient snack, meal or side dish made into Basil Seed Yogurt Pudding. I like to make this recipe overnight, so it’s ready for breakfasts, lunches, snacks and healthy desserts. But you can also let it set up for just 30 minutes if you want to enjoy it sooner.
And, what’s the best part of Basil Seed Yogurt Pudding?
Soaking basil seeds in yogurt makes them easier to digest! — A mini fermentation happens, giving you more of their nutrients and reducing anti-nutrients.
More on basil seeds and Basil Seed Yogurt Pudding
If you’ve enjoyed chia seeds with yogurt, you’re in for an even better and healthier treat with Basil Seed Yogurt Pudding. Basil seeds have a lovely floral basil flavor, and happily, they’re healthier than chia seeds:
- They’re lectin-free, which means gentler on the gut and the rest of the body!
- Have zero carbs — yes! So, Keto.
- Are super high in soluble fiber — so, great for promoting detox and regularity.
- Contain prebiotics, so they feed good flora in the colon.
- Naturally Gluten-free, grain-free and Paleo.
And because of the yogurt base, Basil Seed Yogurt Pudding also contains probiotics.
Ingredients in Basil Seed Yogurt Pudding
- basil seeds
- hot water
- yogurt
- milk of choice
- honey or maple syrup (optional) — or low carb sweetener
- sea salt
5 flavor variations on this recipe
See the detailed recipes on 5 variations in the Notes section below the main recipe.
The five recipe flavor variations we love most are:
- “Peanut Butter and Jelly” — Top pudding with jam of choice or juicy berries + peanut butter (or almond butter/sunbutter etc).
- Tropical — Freshly grated ginger, juicy mango chunks and chopped dried dates, with coconut milk or coconut milk yogurt, so good!
- Berry — Use one or more varieties of whole berries, fresh or frozen, and/or use Strawberry Topping for an extra special fruit-on-the-bottom or top treat. Optionally, layer this one with The Best Paleo/Keto Granola, too.
- Carob, cinnamon and banana — Like a Mexican chocolate theme, with banana, but healthier, and I think carob goes better with yogurt than chocolate does. See the Notes section below the main recipe for how much of each.
- Nut or seed butter with sea salt — Put a dollop of your favorite nut or seed butter on top. This one can go savory or sweet. I like it without sweetener! But obviously, it’s incredibly yummy with added maple syrup or honey, too!
Basil Seed Yogurt Pudding (5 Flavors, Paleo, Vegan, Keto)
Equipment
- whisk
Ingredients
- 1-½ cups yogurt or Vegan yogurt
- 1-½ cups milk of choice
- ½ cup basil seeds
- ½ cup hot water
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or low carb sweetener for Keto, also okay to use coconut sugar
- 2 to 3 pinches sea salt or Potassium Lite Salt (great for mineral balancing)
Instructions
- In large mixing bowl, whisk together basil seeds, milk and hot water. Let sit about 5 minutes.
- Whisk in to combine well: yogurt, optional sweetener and pinches of salt. Divide into individual serving jars. Allow to thicken for 30 minutes minimum, at room temperature for maximum digestion benefits, or chilled if preferred. Ideally, refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. (To increase soaking activity [low key fermentation to increase probiotics, nutrition and digestibility], leave out at room temperature for 4 hours before chilling.)
- Basil Seed Yogurt Pudding lasts in the fridge 7 days. To serve, add extra ingredients and flavors on top or stir in.
Notes
5 Flavors of Basil Seed Yogurt Pudding
Most of these recipes are very intuitive, but a couple have more specific instructions or measurements.- "Peanut Butter and Jelly" -- Top with saucy jam of choice or juicy berries + peanut butter (or almond butter/sunbutter etc). Defrosted frozen berries work well; you may wish to add maple syrup.
- Tropical -- Per serving, top pudding with 1 Tablespoon freshly grated ginger,
juicy mango chunks and chopped dried dates. Use coconut milk and/or coconut milk yogurt. - Berry -- Use one or more varieties of whole berries, fresh or frozen, and/or use Strawberry Topping. Add granola, optionally. This one can be layered for a parfait if you wish to fully soak the Basil Seed Yogurt Pudding before putting into serving jars.
- Carob, cinnamon and banana -- For the entire recipe: Starting with Step 1, whisk ¼ cup roasted carob powder into hot water. Complete Step 1 by also then whisking in 1 teaspoon cinnamon + the milk and basil seeds. Proceed with the remaining steps, and top soaked pudding with fresh slices of banana when you serve.
- Nut or seed butter with sea salt -- Put a dollop of your favorite nut or seed butter on top of each serving. This one can go savory or sweet. I like it without sweetener! But obviously, it's incredibly yummy with added maple syrup or honey, too! Sprinkle with sea salt.
Nutrition
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Dominick Pesola says
What is the temperature range of “hot water”?
Megan says
Hi Dominick, around 110 degrees F, almost too hot to hold your finger in, and not yet boiling.
Lea says
OK, but I have to know, does it taste or smell like actual basil at all?????
Megan says
Yes, Lea, definitely, but this varies a lot brand to brand. Some taste a lot like basil, and some people report not being able to taste the basil.