Basil Seed Pudding with Cherries and Pistachios

Start your day with this basil seed pudding with cherries and pistachios — a fiber-rich, lectin-free recipe that’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with nutrients.

When soaked, basil seeds transform into a silky, pudding-like texture, making this a gut-friendly, high-protein option for breakfast, a filling snack, or even a light dessert. Tart cherries and crunchy pistachios add freshness, texture, and antioxidants for a truly nourishing treat.

If you love chia pudding, think of this as its lectin-free, even more nutrient-dense cousin.

Basil Seeds — a Gut-Friendly Alternative to Chia Seeds

Move over, chia seed pudding — there’s a new super-seed in town. Basil seeds (also known as sabja, tukmaria, or falooda seeds) turn into a silky, gel-like pudding when soaked, just like chia seeds — but with double the fiber and a boost of nutrients.

Unlike chia, basil seeds are lectin-free, making them gentler on the gut and ideal for anyone following a low-lectin or Plant Paradox-style diet. They’re loaded with plant-based protein, omega-3s, and antioxidants, plus key minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron for strong bones, healthy muscles, and balanced blood sugar.

Traditionally used in India, Iran, and Southeast Asia, basil seeds are just starting to trend in the U.S. and Europe — and for good reason. They’re easy to use: simply soak two tablespoons of basil seeds in one cup of water (or milk of choice) until they swell into a pudding-like texture. You can also mix them with yogurt, blend them into smoothies, and layer them with fruit and nuts for a beautiful breakfast or snack.

In this recipe, I pair basil seed pudding with juicy cherries and crunchy pistachios for a refreshing, fiber-rich treat that keeps you satisfied for hours.

Why Pistachios and Cherries?

Pistachios and cherries aren’t just a delicious pairing — they’re two of the richest natural sources of melatonin. According to Dr. Steven Gundry, author of The Plant Paradox and Unlocking the Keto Code, melatonin-rich foods support mitochondrial uncoupling, which can optimize energy production, promote healthy weight management, and boost overall vitality.

For this pudding, you can use fresh or frozen cherries — sweet or tart. Tart cherries are especially beneficial since they contain even more melatonin and may help lower uric acid levels. Feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or pomegranate seeds, and swap pistachios for walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds. The base is versatile, so you can customize it with your favorite combinations.

Ingredients

• Cherries: 1 cup frozen cherries (tart or sweet). If using fresh cherries, skip the cooking step and omit the agar-agar.
• Agar-agar: 1/4 teaspoon (only needed if cooking the cherries).
• Plant-based milk: 1 cup. Choose a light milk such as hemp milk, tigernut milk, or a carton coconut milk (not canned). Unsweetened almond milk also works well.
• Sweetener: 1 teaspoon yacon syrup, allulose syrup, local raw honey, or your preferred natural sweetener.
• Vanilla: 1 teaspoon.
• Orange zest: From one organic orange.
• Basil seeds: 2 tablespoons.
• Pistachios: 1/4 cup, roughly chopped or crushed.
• Dark chocolate: 2 tablespoons grated or in small chips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare your containers: Use two glasses, cups, or mason jars. If refrigerating overnight, choose jars with lids.

Cook the cherries (if using frozen): Add frozen cherries to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in the agar-agar and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely — it will thicken as it cools.

Make the pudding base: In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, yacon or allulose syrup (or honey), vanilla, and orange zest. Stir in the basil seeds and let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, until the seeds absorb the liquid and form a gel-like texture.

Prepare toppings: Grind the pistachios and grate the dark chocolate.

Assemble the pudding: Spoon a layer of cherry jam (or fresh cherries) into the bottom of each jar. Add a sprinkle of pistachios and chocolate. Pour in a layer of basil seed pudding. Repeat the layers, finishing with pistachios, cherry jam, and grated chocolate on top.

Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a thicker, creamier texture. Serve chilled.

How to Serve Basil Seed Pudding

You can serve this pudding immediately or store it in the fridge (I prefer it chilled). It can be a great meal prep item. Prepare it at night for the next morning’s breakfast snack or takeaway lunch.

I hope you like this delicious basil seed pudding with cherries and pistachios!

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