Take a little time in the morning to sit down to a nice warming bowl of vanilla bean chia porridge with caramelized pears.
I just can’t seem to get enough of chia seeds for breakfast. I love the creamy yet chewy texture of chia puddings and porridges not to mention how quick and simple they are to prepare. Simply throw the seeds in the milk of your choice and let them swell overnight in the fridge for an almost instant breakfast the next morning.
During the warmer months I like mine cold straight from the fridge with a swirl of fruit puree, but when the weather gets cool I make a warm chia porridge to keep me full and fueled for the morning. 
If you like a warm bowl of oatmeal for breakfast but want a grain-free option, I think this chia seed porridge will be right up your alley. And if you’re a fan of tapioca pudding then this will be like eating dessert for breakfast!
A fragrant vanilla bean is split and scrapped right into a mixture of coconut milk and chia seeds and left to infuse overnight. (If coconut milk is not your thing, simply swap it out for the milk of your choice.) The next morning the mix gently heats on the stove while you prepare the caramel pear topping.
Thinly sliced pears are sautéed with butter (or coconut oil) and coconut nectar to create a quick caramel sauce that’s finished with a pinch of salt to bring out it’s complexity. Tender and nearly transparent, the softened pears are piled onto the warmed chia porridge and topped with a generous a drizzle of the coconut caramel. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth and spice, but it’s completely optional as the caramel pears stand on their own.
Creamy with enough chewy texture to keep it satisfyingly hearty this is the kind of breakfast that feels like a special treat.
What’s your favorite way to eat chia seeds?
Vanilla Chia Porridge with Sautéed Caramel Pears
A warm chia porridge topped with sautéed pears to keep you full and fueled for the morning.
Ingredients
For the Chia Porridge:
- 1 can/14oz/400ml of light coconut milk or use your favorite nut milk
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup/48g chia seeds
- 1 vanilla bean, split in half and seeds scraped
For the Sautéed Pears:
- 1 large or two small pears, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon/14g butter or coconut oil for a vegan version
- 1 Tablespoon/15ml coconut nectar
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Start the night before. Stir together the coconut milk, salt, chia seeds and vanilla bean seeds in a jar or sealed container. Refrigerate overnight to plump. Stir to incorporate the seeds if they have settled the following morning.
- The next morning make the sautéed pears.
- In a medium skillet, over medium heat, melt the butter or coconut oil.
- Add the coconut nectar and stir until the mixture begins to bubble. Reduce to a simmer and add the pears. Cook stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns syrupy and a deep golden color and the pears are tender (about 3 to 5 minutes.)
- In the meantime gently reheat the chia porridge in a small saucepan or in the microwave until warm but not boiling.
- Remove the pears from heat and add a pinch of salt.
- Spoon the warmed porridge into cups and top with the pears and caramel syrup; sprinkle with ground cinnamon if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 308Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 149mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 7gSugar: 11gProtein: 6g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
fathima says
Tried this and OMW - incredible! So freakin delicious, makes me so happy at breakfast time, or I have it as a snack or dessert. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Sylvie says
So glad you liked it!
Caroline says
This looks amazing!! Ahhh I am definitely going to try this. Your photos are stunning! What lens do you use if you don't mind me asking?
Lynn @ Order in the Kitchen says
OMG this is quite possibly one of the most BEAUTIFUL breakfast I have EVER seen!!!! Pinning immediately! Love you for this!
Janice @Kitchen Heals Soul says
I find chia puddings are such a great base for so many toppings/add-ins/flavours.
I've never heated chia pudding to make a porridge! I need to give this a try.
Kitchen Belleicious says
the sauteed caramel pears truly take this porridge to a whole new level. i just love it and I could eat those pears all by themselves!
Monet says
The mornings have been so crisp and cool lately. What a wonderful way to start the day!
najwa kronfel says
This looks divine, Sylvie! Those pears <3
[email protected] Well Floured Kitchen says
Sautéed pears are such a wonderful idea over the chia porridge. I've never used coconut nectar, very curious to give it a try. Beautiful photos.
Nutmeg Nanny says
This is so beautiful! I have yet to try chia porridge but I need to change that right away!