Homemade Pumpkin Puree Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 2 hours | 🍽️ Yield: 6 cups
Description:
Unlike the store-bought pumpkin puree, this homemade version boasts a vibrant color, velvety texture, and a delightful natural aroma. It’s not just perfect for babies, but also serves as a star ingredient in a myriad of fall-inspired recipes, ranging from comforting soups to decadent desserts like muffins and cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 pumpkin
Instructions:
| Step | Description | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Begin by cutting the skin off the pumpkin. | 10 mins |
| 2 | Proceed to cut the pumpkin into 1 or 2-inch cubes. | 10 mins |
| 3 | Place the cubed pumpkin in a casserole dish. | 5 mins |
| 4 | Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). | 5 mins |
| 5 | Cook the pumpkin in the preheated oven for about one hour, or until it becomes soft and easily “mushy” when pressed with a fork. | 1 hour |
| 6 | Once the pumpkin is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. | 5 mins |
| 7 | Using a hand blender or food processor, blend the cooked pumpkin until it forms a smooth puree. | 10 mins |
| 8 | To remove any excess liquid, place the pureed pumpkin in a strainer or cheesecloth and allow it to drip overnight. | 8 hours |
| 9 | The next day, your pumpkin puree is ready to use! | 0 mins |
| 10 | You can either use it immediately in your favorite recipes or freeze it in smaller portions for future use. | 0 mins |
| 11 | For an alternative method, cover large slices of pumpkin (with skin) in tin foil, place on a cookie sheet, and bake. Once baked, scrape the fruit from the skin and follow the instructions for pureeing. | 1 hour |
Tips:
- Choose a pumpkin variety suitable for cooking, such as sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins, for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a smoother puree, pass the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after step 7.
- Store the pumpkin puree in airtight containers or freezer bags in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Thaw frozen pumpkin puree in the refrigerator overnight before using it in recipes.
With this homemade pumpkin puree on hand, you’ll be all set to whip up delicious and nutritious meals infused with the essence of fall!
