The reason that I call this recipe the “cheater coconut yogurt” recipe is because it’s not technically yogurt because it is not fermented and there are no probiotics in it. Real yogurt should be fermented and I have to say, fermented foods with probiotics are one of the best things for your gut health and your immune system.
So even though you maybe be skipping out on them for this recipe, you should definitely be getting them somewhere else whether it’s sauerkraut, kombucha, fermented veggies, homemade pickles or probiotic supplements. Just make sure your fermented food is really fermented (It shouldn’t have vinegar in it if it’s truly fermented. Vinegar preserving is pickling and won’t result in probiotics).
This coconut “yogurt” simply mimics the thick consistency of yogurt. If you’re craving something like that that is homemade, this is the perfect recipe! It’s dairy free, paleo and vegan. It’s also really easy to make, so that’s why I like it!
I use chia seeds to thicken the coconut milk into a “yogurt” consistency in this recipe. I’m not a huge fan of recipes that use whole chia seeds as thickeners because you get little beads of chia in each bite. I prefer it to be smooth, so I grind the chia seeds with a coffee grinder for this recipe!
Cheater Coconut Yogurt Recipe:
This coconut "yogurt" simply mimics the thick consistency of yogurt. If you're craving something like that that is homemade, this is the perfect recipe! It's dairy free, paleo and vegan. It's also really easy to make, so that's why I like it!
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut milk
- 2-4 tbsp ground chia seeds (depending on desired thickness)
- 1-2 tbsp honey maple syrup, etc. (optional)
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To grind chia seeds, grind them in a coffee or spice grinder like. The amount you will use for the yogurt will depend on how thick you want it to be. If you like it a little thinner, use 2 tbsp, if you like it really thick use 4 tbsp.
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Place the whole can of coconut milk in a bowl. Add the desired amount of ground chia seeds and sweetener (you can also add the sweetener later if you want). Mix it with a stick blender. You can also use a regular blender to mix all the ingredients.
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Put the mixture in a jar or tupperware container then place it in the fridge. Allow it to set for about 1-2 hours. When it's finished it will be thickened into a yogurt-like texture.
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Serve with fruit or nuts and enjoy!
