Are you ready to indulge in the flavors of fall? Look no further than this easy and delicious pumpkin puree recipe! Made from sweet pumpkin, this creamy and smooth puree is perfect for adding to soups, stews, desserts, and more. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those pumpkins you picked or bought during the autumn season.
Ingredients
- Pumpkin – 1 piece (sweet varieties)
Instructions
To start, wash the pumpkin thoroughly to remove any dirt from the skin and pat it dry with a towel. Cut the pumpkin in half and use a spoon to remove the fibrous flesh and seeds from each half. Don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds – they can be rinsed, dried, and roasted in the oven for a tasty snack!
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the pumpkin halves cut-side down or, as an alternative, cut-side up. This way, all the juice from the pumpkin will be retained inside, rather than leaking out.
Bake the pumpkin in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 1 hour, or until the pumpkin flesh is easily pierced with a fork. The baking time may vary depending on the size of your pumpkin, so bake it until the flesh is tender.
Once the pumpkin is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Scoop out the warm pumpkin flesh with a spoon and transfer it to a suitable bowl. Then, using an immersion blender or a food processor, puree the pumpkin until it reaches a smooth and uniform consistency.
Transfer the finished pumpkin puree into clean, dry, and sterile jars for storage. But before you do that, be sure to boil the puree for 5-10 minutes on the stove to ensure proper preservation, as homemade pumpkin puree can spoil quickly if not properly processed.
You can store the pumpkin puree in the refrigerator for up to a week, or transfer it to an airtight plastic container and freeze it for 2-3 months. The best part is that when properly frozen, pumpkin puree retains all of its beneficial properties and vibrant color.
And there you have it – delicious homemade pumpkin puree that’s ready to be used in your favorite recipes. Bon appétit and happy cooking!
