Pumpkin Rice Pudding – Low Fat, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free

I love the holidays!  I love everything about them – the lights, the decorations, the time with family and friends, the big dinners, the parties, apple cider, and anything pumpkin!  So, I’m always looking to make some of my favorites healthier.  Here is one of my favorites – Healthier/Lower Calorie (and gluten/dairy free)

Pumpkin Rice Pudding

Ingredients

• 5 cups water
• 2 cups brown rice
• 6 cups refrigerated coconut milk
• 2 cups pumpkin pie filling
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375F.

Bring the water to a boil in an ovenproof saucepan.  Stir in the rice and cover.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the rice is nearly cooked, about 20 minutes.

In a large bowl, whisk together the mil, pumpkin, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.

While the rice is still hot, add the pumpkin mixture to the saucepan and stir well to combine.  Cover and transfer to the oven.  Bake until the liquid has reduced by about a third and the mixture is foamy and bubbling, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir well to combine all the ingredients.  Transfer to a large bowl, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight.  Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Serving size: 1/2 cup rice pudding

Per Serving:  About 150 calories
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Originally from the Midwest, Amy moved to San Diego in 2001. A graduate of Valparaiso University, Amy had been a Financial Advisor since 1997. When Amy began taking Pilates in 2006, she fell in love with the method and benefits of the program and knew she wanted to help others achieve their fitness goals. She studied under Stephanie Aubachon with Kore Pilates in La Jolla to become a Pilates instructor. When Amy found Xtend Barre, she was excited by the results as her body became more toned than through any other workout routine she had tried in the past. It was at that time that she decided to bring this amazing workout to the women of San Diego.  She opened Xtend Barre Carlsbad in 2010 and Xtend Barre Carmel Valley in 2011.  She is also a Certified Sports Nutritionist, and is passionate about helping women live happier, healthier lives through better diet, nutrition, fitness, and community.