Why We Love It on the Boat

• Shelf-stable: Semolina keeps well - meaning you can stock up without worry.

• Economical: A packet is as cheap as it gets

• Efficient: A small amount goes a surprisingly long way so it takes minimal storage space

• Quick: It only takes about five minutes to make from start to finish.

• Comforting: Hot, smooth, and endlessly adaptable with toppings.

Our Basic Recipe (for two)

• ⅓ cup Semolina

• 1 cup milk (we use plant-based)

• 1 cup water

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• A dash of Italian flower essence (optional but heavenly)

Method

1. Combine the Somilina, milk, water, salt, and sugar in a pot and bring to a gentle heat.

2. Stir continuously to avoid clumping and continue stirring until it begins to boil and thicken.

3. Allow it to boil gently for another minute or two.

4. Pour into bowls immediately. (It will be runny at first, but it sets quickly as it cools.)

Serving Suggestions

This is where the fun begins. We usually top ours with:

• Fresh fruit if we’ve been to the market

• Canned fruit when supplies run low

• A sprinkle of muesli or granola for texture

• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup if we’re feeling indulgent

There’s something about this warm, velvety bowl of Semolina that feels like more than just breakfast—it’s a ritual. The stirring, the scent of milk steaming, the way it thickens and transforms… and then the first spoonful that warms you from the inside out.

For us aboard Helios, it’s a reminder that the simplest meals are often the most comforting.

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The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to prepare, and you can make it the night before, so there’s no hassle in the morning.

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The Recipe

This recipe serves two and takes just a few minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds

• 1 cup nut milk (we usually use soy or almond milk, but any milk will work)

• Optional toppings: fresh fruit, crushed nuts, or yogurt

Method:

1. In a jar, mix the chia seeds and nut milk. We use jars because we live on a boat, and anything not sealed tightly has a high chance of spilling!

2. Stir occasionally for the first 5–10 minutes to ensure the chia seeds are distributed evenly in the milk.

3. Place the jar in the fridge to set overnight. (If you’re in a hurry, it’ll be ready in about an hour, but we prefer to let it sit for a full night.)

4. The next morning, it will have thickened into a pudding-like texture.

Serving Suggestions

Top your chia pudding with whatever you have on hand! We love adding the following:

• Fresh fruit: Chopped mango, berries, or bananas are our favourites.

• Crushed nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a bit of crunch.

• Muesli: Sprinkle a little muesli on top to add a little goodness.

• Yogurt: A dollop of plain or flavoured yogurt makes it even creamier.

• Honey: Top with a little bit of honey for a sweet surprise.

This breakfast is healthy, filling, and completely adaptable to your tastes and ingredients.

Why We Love It

Living on a boat has its challenges, and finding meals that are nutritious, easy to store, and quick to prepare is key. Chia pudding ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a refreshing start to the day, especially in summer when the mornings are warm and sunny.

We hope you give it a try! Let us know how you make it your own—we’re always looking for new inspiration for life aboard.