Homemade Pumpkin Puree Recipe
Simple and rewarding, make this thick homemade pumpkin puree to use today or freeze for later!
Equipment
- large baking sheet
- sharp knife
- sealable bags or airtight containers
- food processor, high powered blender, or a strong arm and potato masher
- oven
Ingredients
- 1 pumpkin of choice *See pumpkin recommendations under key ingredients
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cut your pumpkin in half.
- Hollow your pumpkin out. I like to use an ice cream scoop to clean out all of the guts. Be sure to get most of the orange stringy flesh and seeds out.
- Place the pumpkin face down on a baking sheet.
- Using a knife or fork, poke several holes in each pumpkin halve to allow steam to escape while cooking.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to the cookie sheet to help soften and cook the pumpkin.
- Cook for 45 minutes.Allow the pumpkin to cool for 10-15 minutes before trying to handle it to avoid burns… it is LAVA HOT!
- Carefully scoop the cooked pumpkin flesh away from the skin, being sure not to collect any of the peel.
- Transfer pumpkin to a food processor or high powered blender.Blend until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Place a fine strainer lined with cheesecloth overtop of a medium sized bowl.
- Pour the pumpkin puree into the strainer and allow it to sit for an hour, stirring twice.
- Discard pumpkin juice (I like to save it to add it to a smoothie later on).
- Scoop your desired volume into the container of choice. If you are going to use the puree right away, consider a jar or other reusable container. I like to store my puree in ziplock bags. This allows me to squeeze 99% of the air out of my puree which helps to preserve the quality. Less air=less opportunity to freezer burn!
- Label and store. Pumpkin Puree will keep in the fridge for up to a week and in the freezer for up to six months. Use your discretion with frozen pumpkin puree– I have had it last over a year without compromising the quality. Be sure to assess the colour, texture, and smell of your pumpkin puree before using.
Video
Notes
Depending on the size of your pumpkin, you may end up with more or less than five cups of puree.