Learn how to make pumpkin puree from scratch, no additives, no salt just 100% pure pumpkin.

I always have Pumpkin Puree in my freezer; I usually store it in approximately one-cup quantities. It comes in handy for cake, bread, cheesecake and much more.

For more pumpkin recipes, check Pumpkin Squares With Cream Cheese Frosting and Healthy Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes.

Just imagine all the delicious recipes you can make with it? Once you make a homemade pumpkin Puree, you won't go back to the canned stuff.

Is Pumpkin Healthy?

Pumpkin is very healthy and nutritious; it is high in so many vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and C. It is a good source of vitamin E, iron and beta-carotene. Also, it is low in calories and helps in improving immunity.

Why Make Your Owen Pumpkin Puree?

• It is healthier than store-bought. It is salt and additives safe.
• You control the ingredients. It is fresh and made from 100% fresh pumpkin.
• Homemade has a better taste and texture.
• It stores and freezes very well.

The Best Kind Of Pumpkin To Puree

You can use any kind of pumpkin you like; however, small pumpkin is more likely to be more sweet and less stringy such as Sugar Pumpkins (pie pumpkin) or Fairytale.

Also, Dickinson is a good type of pumpkin to use. It is a medium size pumpkin, and it has a rich flavor and dense texture.

Also, check How To Make Cornmeal and Homemade Ricotta Cheese.

Homemade Pumpkin Puree Vs Canned

• Texture: Homemade pumpkin has a creamy and a bit loose texture than the store-bought one.
• Taste: Store-bought has a deeper and more intense flavour.
• Color: Store-bought usually has a dark orange color, while homemade has a light orange color.

Ingredient

Pumpkin: You will need 2 medium size pumpkins to get 8 cups worth of pumpkin puree. Feel free to double or triple this.

“See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.”

How To Pick The Best Pumpkin

• Choose the one that has a dry and brown stem.
• Use a ripe pumpkin; It must have a vibrant color and firm.
• Ensure there aren't any rot signs, such as soft spots or bruises.
• Choose the small and round ones; because large ones are usually stringy.

How To Make Pumpkin Puree From Scratch

Here are three different methods of cooking the pumpkin. 

The First Method - Roasting The Pumpkin In The Oven

In this method you will roast the pumpkin in the oven until soft then puree.

• Preheat the oven to 190C / 374F.
• Clean the pumpkin, peel it, remove the seeds and cut it into big or small chunks.
• Spray an oven sheet with oil.
• Put the pumpkin chunks in the baking sheet then bake for 30-35 minutes or until they become tender.
• Let it cool down then puree until smooth using the food processor or a fork if you like.

The Second Method - Make Pumpkin Puree Without Oven

In this method, you will learn how to make pumpkin puree without an oven, instead we will cook it on the stove; all you have to do is:

• Clean the pumpkin, peel it, remove the seeds and cut it into big or small chunks.
• Add the pumpkin chunks into a pot then cover them with water after that bring to a boil.
• Keep boiling until the pumpkin becomes tender about 15-20 minutes.
• Let the it cool down then put in the food processor, puree until becomes smooth.

The Third Method - Steaming The Pumpkin

In this method, will not use the oven also.

• Bring a pot half-filled with water to a boil.
• Put the pumpkin chunks in a colander then place the colander over the pot.
• Keep boiling for about 10 minutes or until it become tender then puree until smooth after cooling down.

Roasting Vs Boiling or Steaming The Pumpkin

• Consistency: I prefer roasting the pumpkin because this process produces a better consistency and less watery pumpkin puree.
• Taste: Roasting the pumpkin gives it a sweeter flavour than boiling or steaming it.
• Effort: These 3 pumpkin cooking methods do not need much effort; they are simple and easy to follow. Wash, peel and cut the pumpkin, then cook it as you like.
• Time: Boiling or steaming pumpkin takes about 15-20 minutes on the stove, while roasting takes 30-35 minutes.
• Healthier: Roasting or steaming the pumpkin is the best method to preserve more nutrients lost in boiling.

Expert Tips!

• You may use a mix of both butternut squash and pumpkin to make the puree.
• When you buy the pumpkin, choose the smaller ones; because large ones are usually dry and stringy.
• This recipe freezes well. You can make a large batch of this recipe and freeze it.
• You can roast the pumpkin with the peel on, then after it is roasted, scoop the pumpkin out.
• When you roast the pumpkin, you may need to add a tiny stream of water while blending the pumpkin (don't use so much water).

What To Do With Pumpkin Seeds?

Don't toss the Pumpkin Seeds; they have so many health benefits, and you can use them to make recipes.

Here are some ideas for using pumpkin seeds: Roast them and eat as snacks, make homemade pumpkin seed butter with them or use them in recipes such as Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake or 3 Seed Bread.

What To Use Pumpkin Puree For?

You can use it to make lots os pumpkin recipes such as Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes, Philadelphia Pumpkin Cheesecake or Classic Pumpkin Scones.

Also, Pumpkin Pie Muffins With Crumb Topping, Classic American Pumpkin Pie or Creamy Pumpkin Custard Pie.

Storage

How To Store: Once your puree is cooled completely, you can store it in the fridge in a jar or any other container for 3-4 days.

How To Freeze: Divide it to one-cup quantities then place it in a zipped plastic bags and freeze it for 5-6 months.

Recipe FAQs

Easy Pumpkin Recipes

• Pumpkin Sheet Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pumpkin Bundt Cake Recipe
• Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bread

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The post How To Make Pumpkin Puree From Scratch appeared first on Healthy Life Trainer.