Fake Black Caviar with Chia Seeds and Nori

This fake black caviar is one of those recipes that sounds suspicious until you actually taste it. Chia seeds create that tiny “caviar pearl” texture, while nori, soy sauce and olive oil bring the salty, briny, slightly ocean-like flavor.

It is surprisingly close to real caviar, especially when served on bread with good butter. Cheap, easy, vegan and honestly kind of genius.

Ingredients

• 60 g chia seeds
• 4 nori sheets
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 300 ml water

Instructions

1. Pour the water over the chia seeds and mix very well.
2. Leave for 15–20 minutes, until the chia seeds become thick and jelly-like.
3. Blend or crush the nori sheets into small flakes.
4. Add the nori flakes to the chia mixture.
5. Add soy sauce and olive oil, then stir everything together until well combined.
6. Let the mixture sit for another 5–10 minutes so the flavors can develop.
7. Serve on bread with butter, toast, blini or crackers.

Serving Idea

My favorite way to eat it is very simple: soft bread, a generous layer of butter and a spoonful of this fake black caviar on top. It tastes salty, rich, a little ocean-like and honestly much more impressive than it has any right to be.

Notes

• If you want a stronger sea flavor, add a little more nori.
• If you prefer it less salty, start with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and adjust to taste.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.