How to Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree from a Pumpkin Pie Pumpkin
There’s something so satisfying about creating your own homemade pumpkin puree, especially when you know it’s fresh, natural, and free of additives. Whether you're prepping for your favorite fall recipes or stocking up for the holiday season, making your own pumpkin puree is easier than you might think! Plus, when you use a pie pumpkin (also called sugar pumpkins), you’ll get a sweeter, smoother, and more flavorful puree than you can from larger carving pumpkins. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help you turn your pumpkins into perfect puree.
What You’ll Need:
1-2 pumpkin pie pumpkins (also called sugar pumpkins)
A sharp knife
A baking sheet
Parchment paper (optional)
A food processor or blender
A spoon for scooping
A large bowl
Step 1: Select the Right Pumpkin
First things first, make sure you're using the right kind of pumpkin. Look for pumpkin pie pumpkins or sugar pumpkins at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. These are typically smaller than your average Halloween carving pumpkins, usually between 4-8 pounds, and are known for their sweeter flavor and smoother texture, making them ideal for cooking and baking.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, get ready to prep your pumpkin.
Step 3: Cut and Clean the Pumpkin
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut your pumpkin in half, starting from the stem. Scoop out all the seeds and stringy fibers from the center. You can save the seeds for roasting later if you’d like a crunchy snack!
Step 4: Roast the Pumpkin
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the pumpkin halves face down (cut side down) on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 45-60 minutes or until the pumpkin flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Cool and Scoop
Once your pumpkin is fully roasted, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle. After it's cool enough to touch, scoop the soft flesh away from the skin and discard the skin.
Step 6: Puree the Pumpkin
Transfer the scooped pumpkin flesh to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If the puree is too thick, you can add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Store or Use
At this point, your pumpkin puree is ready to be used in any recipe that calls for it! If you're not using it right away, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Tip: portion it out into 1-cup amounts before freezing for easy use later on!
Bonus Tips:
Use for baking: Pumpkin puree is great in pies, muffins, bread, and cookies. It adds a delicious, creamy texture and natural sweetness.
Savory dishes: It’s not just for desserts! You can use pumpkin puree in soups, pasta sauces, and even risottos for a seasonal twist.
Pumpkin seeds: Don’t forget to roast those pumpkin seeds for a crunchy snack. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and any spices you like, then roast them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Homemade pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient and a fantastic way to enjoy fresh pumpkin flavor all year long. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this simple process will elevate your fall recipes with the taste of homemade goodness!