Ingredient 41 - Chai Seeds

Chai seeds are ancient seeds, dating back to the Aztec era of 3500BC. Here they were considered to be a symbol of life itself, due to the mystical and almost supernatural energy and power they provided.

Chai seeds contain more omega 3 and dietary fibre than any other plant food source., as well providing significant protein.  The seeds have a pleasant nutty taste and are very complimentary, not overpowering at all in flavour.

The seeds are available in black and white forms, however the ‘black’ variety purely contains a combination of black, grey and white with virtually complete similarity in all other properties.

They are a delicious addition to smoothies and cereal, as well as providing a great variant to the traditional sweet shortcrust pastry.

The perfect sweet treat!

Chai seed and Macadamia Sweet Shortcrust with Caramelized Peaches

125g chilled butter, cubed

1 ¾ cup plain flour

½ cup fine caster sugar

2 tbsp black chai seeds

¼ cup macadamias

1 egg yolk

2 tbsp iced cold water

5 yellow peaches

3 tbsp caster sugar

¼ cup mascarpone

250mL thickened cream

• Place butter and flour in a food processor and finely process until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Alternately you can use your fingertips!
• Add the chai seeds, macadamias and caster sugar and process until nuts are finely chopped.
• Place the egg yolk and iced water in the blender and pulse a few times, or until mixture comes together. Remove and place on lightly floured surface, kneading for a few minutes until soft, smooth and slightly sticky.
• Form the dough into a ball, wrap in glad wrap and place in the fridge for 20min.
• Preheat oven to 150°.
• Lightly roll the pastry out on very lightly floured surface, forming a roughly shaped disk. Place on a tray lined with baking paper and bake in oven for 20min or until just starting to turn golden brown. Cool.
• Preheat oven grill to low.
• Slice the peaches in half and then slice into moon shaped pieces, approximately 1cm thick.  Place on a small tray, sprinkle with 1tbsp of sugar and grill for 5min. Remove and sprinkle remainder of sugar then grill for further 5min. The peaches should be lovely and caramelized.
• Whip the mascarpone and cream with electric mixers until just starting to stiffen and able holds its shape when spread.
• To serve spread the cream over the cooled shortcrust and top with caramelized peaches. Serve with extra icecream if desired!