Homemade Pumpkin Puree (Fresh and Freezable)
Elevate your culinary creations with this simple yet rewarding recipe for homemade pumpkin puree. Perfect for pies, soups, or any pumpkin-flavored dishes, this recipe allows you to transform a fresh pumpkin into versatile puree, free from preservatives or additives. By roasting the pumpkin whole, we maximize flavor and nutrient retention. Ideal for anyone looking to embrace seasonal ingredients and ensure the quality of their cooking. Whether you prefer to freeze it for later use or enjoy it fresh, this technique makes it easy to always have pure pumpkin on hand. From a single 20-pound pie pumpkin, you can yield a generous 16 cups of creamy puree that will elevate your holiday recipes or cozy weeknight meals.
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh pumpkin
1 (washed and whole)
Pumpkin juice
as needed (reserved from cooking process)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
Thoroughly wash the exterior of your pumpkin to ensure it is clean.
3
DO NOT poke holes or slice the pumpkin. Place it whole in a cake pan to catch any juices.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 3 to 3.5 hours for a large pumpkin, or less for smaller pumpkins, until the flesh is tender and the pumpkin has slumped slightly.
5
Remove the pumpkin from the oven and allow it to cool until it can be comfortably handled, but is still warm.
6
Carefully cut the top off the pumpkin as you would for a jack-o-lantern.
7
Scoop out the seeds and stringy insides, reserving any liquid pumpkin juice for later use.
8
Slice the cooked pumpkin into manageable sections. Use a spoon or a scoop to separate the flesh from the skin.
9
Place the pumpkin flesh in a blender and blend on ‘puree’ until it reaches a smooth, applesauce-like consistency.
10
If your puree appears too dry, gradually add the reserved pumpkin juice while blending to achieve the desired consistency.
11
Once pureed, portion the mixture into freezer bags (2 cups per bag is recommended) and seal tightly.
12
For optimal preservation, consider vacuum sealing the bags or freezing them, then vacuum sealing once solidified for long-term storage.
Nutrition Information
0.125g
Fat
19g
Carbs
2.25g
Protein
3g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient for homemade pumpkin puree?
The primary ingredient is one fresh pumpkin, specifically a pie pumpkin for best results.
Do I need to peel or slice the pumpkin before roasting?
No, you should not poke holes or slice the pumpkin. It is roasted whole to maximize flavor and nutrient retention.
What oven temperature is required for baking the pumpkin?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
How long does it take to bake a large pumpkin?
A large pumpkin typically takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the flesh is tender and it has slumped slightly.
How much puree does a 20-pound pie pumpkin yield?
A 20-pound pie pumpkin yields approximately 16 cups of creamy puree.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this pumpkin puree is 100% vegan as it contains no animal products.
Does this homemade puree contain preservatives?
No, this recipe is entirely preservative-free and additive-free.
Can I freeze the pumpkin puree for later use?
Yes, the puree is freezer-friendly and can be portioned into bags for long-term storage.
What should I do if the puree is too dry?
Gradually add the reserved pumpkin juice gathered during the cooking process while blending until you reach the desired consistency.
What is the recommended portion size for freezing?
It is recommended to portion the mixture into 2 cups per freezer bag.
How do I know when the pumpkin is finished baking?
The pumpkin is done when the flesh is tender and the exterior has slumped slightly.
What consistency should the pumpkin puree have?
The puree should have a smooth, applesauce-like consistency.
Should I wash the pumpkin before baking?
Yes, you must thoroughly wash the exterior of the pumpkin to ensure it is clean before putting it in the oven.
What is the best way to separate the flesh from the skin?
Once the pumpkin is cooked and sliced into sections, use a spoon or a scoop to separate the flesh from the skin.
Can I vacuum seal the pumpkin puree?
Yes, for optimal preservation, you can vacuum seal the bags immediately or after the puree has solidified in the freezer.
What can I use this pumpkin puree for?
It is perfect for pies, soups, holiday baking, or any recipe calling for pumpkin.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains 75 calories, 19g of carbohydrates, 2.25g of protein, and 3g of fiber.
Does this recipe contain any fat?
It contains a very low amount of fat, approximately 0.125g per serving.
How much sugar is in the homemade puree?
There is 1.5g of natural sugar per serving with no added sugars.
What should I do with the pumpkin seeds?
You should scoop out the seeds and stringy insides after baking; the seeds can be reserved for roasting separately.
What equipment is needed to blend the pumpkin?
A standard kitchen blender is used to puree the pumpkin flesh until smooth.
What is the benefit of roasting the pumpkin whole?
Roasting it whole helps maximize the retention of nutrients and enhances the natural flavor.
Can I use smaller pumpkins for this recipe?
Yes, smaller pumpkins can be used, but they will require less baking time than the 3-hour average for large pumpkins.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy, natural, and nutrient-dense ingredient for various meals.
When should I cut the top off the pumpkin?
Remove the top only after the pumpkin has been roasted and cooled enough to handle comfortably.
Does the recipe require any sodium?
No, this recipe contains no added sodium.
What is the calorie count for this puree?
There are 75 calories per serving.
Is this pumpkin puree suitable for canning?
While tagged for canning, the instructions specifically focus on freezing as the primary preservation method.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are only 2 ingredients: fresh pumpkin and its reserved juice.
Can I use this puree for holiday baking?
Absolutely, it is ideal for elevating holiday recipes like pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread.