Want a bird's nest breakfast you can make the night before? Stir chia seeds into coconut milk, let them set overnight, then fold in prepared bird's nest and fresh fruit. You control the sweetness: a little rock sugar, a pinch of monk fruit, or none at all.
Key takeaways
- Chia pudding sets overnight, so the work is done before you sleep.
- Prepare the bird's nest separately, then fold it in cold.
- Sweeten with rock sugar, a monk-fruit option for no added sugar, or leave it plain.
- Top with whatever fruit is in season for a light summer bowl.
What you'll need
- 1 whole dry bird's nest (about 8 to 14 g)
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk, or the milk of your choice
- Sweetener to taste: rock sugar, a monk-fruit sweetener for no added sugar, or none
- Fresh fruit to top, such as mango, berries, or melon
How to make it
1. Soak and cook the bird's nest
Soak the dry nest in clean water for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight, until it fully expands. Soaked nest grows to about 3 to 4 times its dry size. Rinse gently to remove any fine feathers, then double-boil with a little water for about 40 minutes. Let it cool.
2. Set the chia pudding
Stir the chia seeds into the coconut milk. If you want it sweet, dissolve a little rock sugar in the milk first, or whisk in a monk-fruit sweetener for a no-added-sugar version. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the seeds swell into a soft pudding. Stir once after the first 20 minutes so they set evenly.
3. Fold and top
Fold the cooled bird's nest gently into the set pudding so the strands stay whole. Spoon into a bowl or jar and top with fresh fruit. Serve cold.
Tips
- Coconut milk is naturally a little sweet, so taste before adding anything.
- Keep the pudding and the cooked nest separate until serving if you are making it more than a day ahead. Cooked nest keeps refrigerated for 3 to 5 days.
- For a smoother pudding, blend half the set chia and stir it back in.
Reach for a clean, well-graded nest for the best texture. Our 5A white nest and specialty nest both work well here, and you can browse our low-sugar, monk-fruit selection for no-added-sugar ideas.
FAQ
Can I make this without any sweetener?
Yes. Coconut milk and ripe fruit add natural sweetness, so the pudding is pleasant with no added sugar at all.
How far ahead can I make it?
Set the chia pudding up to 2 days ahead. Fold in the cooked bird's nest closer to serving so the strands keep their texture.
What fruit works best?
Use whatever is in season. Mango, berries, and melon are all good in summer.
By Alina @ TLY
