Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding

I’m a firm believer that pumpkin can be enjoyed year-round and not just during the fall. According to the International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences, “Pumpkin flesh is rich in vitamins, proteins, minerals, and antioxidants and in addition to nutrient composition, it is composed of various biological active components such as polysaccharides, protein, peptide, sterols, and para-amino benzoic acids. These biological active components have shown to possess a wide range of medicinal properties such as anti-diabetic activity, antioxidant activity, anti-carcinogenic effect, and antimicrobial effect.” So not only are pumpkins delicious, but they’re so beneficial towards your health too!¹

Chia seeds are another health wonder of the world. According to Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm and Resource Issues, “Current literature shows that chia has high levels of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fatty acids (e.g., omega-3 and omega-6), all of which have been linked to benefit human health.” So they're another really great thing to have in your cooking arsenal.²

Mix these two ingredients together and you have a powerful food that is great for your health! This recipe is also great because I like to think it tastes like if rice pudding and pumpkin pie had a baby. I hope you enjoy it!

Servings: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients for pumpkin chia seed pudding

• 1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 tbsp sugar free maple syrup (I use the brand Lakanto)
• 6 tbsp powdered monk fruit sweetener (I use the brand Lakanto)
• Whipped cream (Optional, but recommended. There are dairy-free options also if you can't have dairy.)

Directions for pumpkin chia seed pudding

1. In a bowl, use a whisk to mix the pumpkin, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, coconut milk, maple syrup, and sweetener all together until everything is thoroughly combined.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Take it out of the refrigerator, give it a good mix and distribute into bowls to eat.
4. Top with whipped cream and dust it with a little of the monk fruit powdered sugar.