Hello lovelies, have you heard of black water? A while ago I stumbled across this black water with activated charcoal and was instantly fascinated – I admit, I keep discovering my love for the dramatic :-). Granted, drinking black water feels a little strange at first, but it has absolutely no taste of its own and simply tastes like still water. And of course it would have been boring to just drink it – you would not have expected that from me, would you?! The first thing I made with it was a black chia pudding, and it was not only absolutely delicious but is still one of the biggest showstoppers ever to land on our breakfast table.
The best part: the recipe is truly child's play. You need just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes in the evening – the fridge does the rest overnight. In the morning a creamy, deep-black pudding is waiting for you, and topped with light yogurt and dark berries it looks like something straight out of a picture book.
Chia seeds – little powerhouses
Chia seeds are a true breakfast favorite of mine: they are packed with fiber, plant-based protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and in liquid they swell into that wonderfully pudding-like texture. That is exactly why this recipe works without any cooking at all – the seeds do the work by themselves.
Activated charcoal – what is it, actually?
Activated charcoal is a completely natural product: organic materials such as coconut shells are charred and then activated at very high temperatures. It turns water deep black while staying completely tasteless. Because activated charcoal binds substances in the stomach, it belongs in my "a beautiful effect every now and then" category – you'll find a few pointers on that in the frequently asked questions below.
When it comes to serving, feel free to go dramatic: the contrast of black pudding, white yogurt and dark blackberries is simply beautiful, and with an edible flower on top the glass becomes a little work of art. Back then the pudding was such a hit on Instagram that it earned itself a permanent spot in my breakfast repertoire.
If this got you in the mood for more: the classic chia pudding basic recipe is the perfect base for experimenting, the apple cinnamon overnight oats in 2 ways are my second favorite make-ahead breakfast, and everything else you can create with the black water – from ice cubes to popsicles – is in my post Black water and what you can create with it. I can't wait to hear how you like this black beauty!
How long chia seeds need to soak and why you should stir them twice is all in my guide to using chia seeds.
