Velvety Homemade Pumpkin Puree
Revisit the nostalgia of fall with this creamy, homemade pumpkin puree, a beloved staple from my childhood. I would watch my mother transform homegrown pumpkins and hubbard squash into velvety puree for the most delectable pumpkin pies and seasonal treats. This recipe is designed to maximize efficiency and flavor, allowing you to indulge in the natural sweetness and nutrition of fresh pumpkins without the lengthy baking process. My streamlined method of steaming or boiling not only saves time but also retains vital nutrients like vitamin A by keeping the skin on. You’ll wow your guests with the silky texture and rich flavor that this puree delivers, making it an essential ingredient for your holiday baking and beyond.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pumpkin or Hubbard Squash
1 (Washed, stem removed, and cut into large cubes)
Water
As needed (For steaming)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the exterior of your pumpkin or hubbard squash under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the stem and remove any fibrous material around the stem and the bottom of the pumpkin.
3
Cube the pumpkin or squash into large, manageable pieces, taking care to maintain uniformity for even cooking.
4
In a large pot, arrange the cubed pumpkin and add just enough water to create steam—typically about an inch or two at the bottom of the pot is sufficient.
5
Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Allow the pumpkin to boil for approximately 30 minutes or until both the flesh and skin are tender when pierced with a fork.
6
Once cooked, carefully transfer the pumpkin cubes into a blender, ensuring to include the skins for maximum nutrition, and blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, purée consistency.
7
Store the homemade pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze in batches for long-term storage, allowing you to enjoy this seasonal goodness all year round.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Homemade Pumpkin Puree?
It is a creamy, homemade staple made from fresh pumpkins or hubbard squash, designed to be a nutrient-rich alternative to store-bought canned pumpkin.
What are the primary ingredients?
The recipe requires only two ingredients: a fresh Pumpkin or Hubbard Squash and water for steaming.
Can I use Hubbard squash for this recipe?
Yes, hubbard squash is an excellent alternative to pumpkin and produces a similarly velvety and flavorful puree.
How do I prepare the pumpkin before cooking?
Thoroughly wash the exterior, remove the stem and fibrous material, and then cube the pumpkin into large, uniform pieces.
Do I need to peel the pumpkin before boiling?
No, this recipe specifically suggests keeping the skin on to retain vital nutrients like Vitamin A and to simplify the process.
Is it better to steam or boil the pumpkin?
The recipe suggests adding just enough water (1-2 inches) to create steam while boiling, which helps retain flavor and nutrients compared to full submersion.
How long does it take to cook the pumpkin cubes?
The pumpkin should be boiled for approximately 30 minutes or until both the flesh and skin are tender when pierced with a fork.
How do I achieve a smooth texture?
Once the pumpkin is cooked and tender, transfer the pieces to a blender and blend until the mixture reaches a smooth, puree consistency.
How long can I store the puree in the fridge?
You can store the homemade pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can freeze the puree in batches for long-term storage, allowing you to use it throughout the year.
Is this pumpkin puree recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains only squash and water.
What are the nutritional benefits of keeping the skin on?
Keeping the skin on helps retain vital nutrients such as Vitamin A, which are often lost during peeling.
How much water should I add to the pot?
Typically, about one or two inches of water at the bottom of the pot is sufficient to create enough steam for cooking.
Can this puree be used for holiday baking?
Absolutely, it is an essential ingredient for pumpkin pies, seasonal treats, and other holiday baked goods.
Is this method faster than roasting?
Yes, steaming or boiling cubed pumpkin is designed to maximize efficiency and is generally faster than the lengthy baking/roasting process.
Does the puree contain any added sugar?
No, this recipe focuses on the natural sweetness of the fresh pumpkin and contains no added sugars.
What type of blender should I use?
Any standard blender capable of handling soft, cooked vegetables will work to create the silky texture needed.
Should I remove the seeds?
The recipe mentions removing fibrous material from the stem and bottom, and while seeds aren't explicitly listed, they are typically removed before cubing for puree.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it consists only of vegetables and water.
Can I use this puree in savory dishes?
Yes, while often used for desserts, this unseasoned puree is perfect for soups, sauces, and other savory autumn recipes.
What size should I cut the pumpkin cubes?
The recipe recommends large, manageable pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
How do I know the pumpkin is fully cooked?
The pumpkin is ready when both the flesh and the skin are easily pierced and tender when tested with a fork.
Can I use this recipe for a baby food?
Because it is smooth, nutrient-dense, and contains no additives, it can serve as a great base for homemade baby food.
What is the benefit of making puree at home vs buying canned?
Homemade puree offers a richer flavor, silkier texture, and avoids the preservatives often found in commercial canned products.
Does the skin change the color of the puree?
While the skin is blended in, the high-speed blending process ensures it incorporates fully, maintaining a rich, deep orange color.
Do I need a steamer basket?
While not required, you can use one, but the recipe is designed to work by simply placing the cubes in a small amount of water in a large pot.
Is hubbard squash sweeter than pumpkin?
Hubbard squash is known for its rich, sweet flavor, often rivaling or exceeding the sweetness of standard field pumpkins.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as you have a pot large enough to hold the additional cubed pumpkin, you can easily scale this recipe.
Should the water be boiling before I add the pumpkin?
The instructions suggest arranging the pumpkin in the pot first, then adding water and bringing it to a boil.
How should I prep the bottom of the pumpkin?
You should remove the stem and any fibrous material or debris from both the top and the bottom before cubing.