Dr Wayne Coates a.k.a Mr Chia’s Vegan Curried Potato Salad

It is DAY 6 of "Gluten Free Vegan Recipes with Breville" and we continue our celebration of our Breville Sous Chef® Food Processor Giveaway with this delicious Curried Vegan Potato Salad from Dr Wayne Coates, PhD, a.k.a "Mr Chia", author of one of my favourite books, CHIA: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE ULTIMATE SUPERFOOD. Sterling Publishing sent me a copy of this book earlier this year, and I have learnt so many "chia seed" tricks from it. I don't know about you, but I eat chia seeds every day. They really ARE "the ultimate superfood." I had to share this with you as I believe this book is a must have in any healthy kitchen. 

For those of you who are not familiar with chia seeds, they are grain-like seeds in the mint family that have been revered for centuries as a complete superfood. Chia was so valuable in ancient civilizations that it was used as currency. It was a staple food in the diet of the Aztecs and the Mayans, and has gradually gained momentum in the natural health community since the 1990’s for its superior nutritional profile and incredible culinary versatility.

Chia is whole grown containing all componants of the grain -- bran, germ and endosperm. It is grown in central and south America and is available in three major varieties – black, white or mixed. Chia is the highest plant-based source of Omega 3 fatty acids, protein and fibre. The protein has a complete amino acid profile, which is easily utilized by the body; the omega 3 to omega 6 ratio is extremely well balanced at 3:2; and the fibre is soluble. Chia is also a rich source of calcium, containing more than the same weight of dairy milk; three times more iron than spinach; fifteen times more magnesium than broccoli; and a truckload of antioxidants. It also increases endurance. 

Chia seeds have a mild nutty flavour that does not alter the flavour of dishes and is very easily digested. It can be eaten raw – sprinkled or crushed over cereals, raw salads, vegetarian stir-fries, curries and soups; or prepared in numerous ways for a variety of dishes. It makes a fantastic nutritious gluten free porridge; a wonderful binder for vegan burgers, patties, slices and power bars; and is a phenomenal way to enrich gluten free baked goods and raw vegan smoothies. Chia sprouts are also incredibly tasty for use in raw salads, veggie wraps, sandwiches and stir-fries. I alternate between two tablesppons of Chia seeds or LSA every day to boost the nutritional profile of my breakfast. 

Chia can also be used as a vegan gluten free gel. Many of the recipes in Wayne's book utilize chia gel. The seeds are highly absorbant and develop a highly gelatinous quality when soaked in water or juice. The seeds absorb up to nine times their weight in liquid. Whisk about 1  or 1 1/2 tablespoons of chia seeds into 1 cup of liquid and store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for about a week. This gel can be added to raw smoothies, vegan soups, sauces and desserts. This gel-like quality assists the body with retaining fluids and electrolytes, and helps to lower the glycemic index of foods by slowing down the conversion of complex carbohydrates to sugar. It has also been shown to aid the absorption of calcium and assist in muscle and tissue building; and bulks up food in the colon helping with cleansing and elimination. This gel also helps to boost the nutritional profile of all of your favourite foods. Chia gel increases the vitamin and mineral levels, adds protein and omega fatty acids, and promotes weight loss. I make up a batch every few days! 

Wayne shares a TON of fabulous chia seed recipes in the book. Some of my favourites include: the Citrus Julius, Raw Vanilla Coconut Yoghurt, Creamy Mushroom Cashew Soup, Protein Bites, and Chia Pate. Also try the fabulous beauty recipes such as the Chia Avocado Mask and High Glow Scrub. Wayne even shows you how to use chia for your pets! Chia gel has helped our dog's coat and skin issues SO much. What a top tip! This Vegan Curried Potato Salad is my favourite recipe in the book. This is simple, delicious, and has a kick. In fact, if you are not into spicy flavours, you could reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon. I also like to add a fair amount of Celtic sea salt at the end. I have said 1 1/2 teaspoons, but you could always add more. Either way, this potato salad is dressed to impress! 

But Wayne's book contains more than just recipes. It celebrates "all things chia" with a history of chia seeds; a complete guide to their health benefits; and a comprehensive daily plan for weight loss with meal and exercise plans. Seriously, everything you need to know about chia seeds is in this book.

But what I really love about this book is all of the fantastic fact boxes on every page with hints about health, nutrition, ingredients, history, medical research, and so much more. Just like the seed he talks about, Wayne's seemingly tiny book packs an incredible punch! I seriously cannot rave enough about this book. Just get a copy, and like me, you will not be able to put it down. There is something for everyone in this book. It is not strictly vegan or gluten free. But I have modified many of the recipes with spectacular success, and Wayne offers lots of helpful substitution suggestions.  

So who is Wayne Coates? Well Dr Coates, a.k.a "Mr Chia" is an Agricultural Engineer, and the Professor Emeritus in the Office of Arid Lands Studies at the University of Arizona, and developed the system currently used to harvest and clean chia seed. Founder of the educational chia website AZChia.com and President of AZChia’s retail operation, Coates’ current research activities are focused on making this healthy seed widely known and used throughout the world. Check out Wayne's websites. They are a wonderful resource in additional to his book. Wayne is also is an ultra-distance runner who regularly runs races of up to 100 miles, helped along by daily doses of endurance-enhancing chia! 

Wayne, thankyou for your incredible knowledge, research, and fabulous book. You amaze me. 
Special thanks to Blanca Oliviery from Sterling Publishing for co-ordinating this contribution.

Reprinted with permission from Chia: The Complete Guide to the Ultimate Superfood © 2012 by Wayne Coates, PhD, Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.

Dr Wayne Coates a.k.a "Mr Chia" from AZ Chia
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