Do-it-yourself Pumpkin Puree – The Keep At Residence Chef

Making your individual pumpkin puree is ridiculously simple, and the result’s so a lot better than something you’ll discover in a can. With only one sugar pumpkin, you’ll be able to create a creamy puree that provides recent pumpkin taste to all of your favourite fall recipes. From pies to soups and past, this simple recipe delivers that homey, from-scratch contact.

Roast a number of pumpkins directly, and also you’ll have recent pumpkin puree able to go for months. Whether or not you’re baking, cooking, or mixing it into smoothies, this can be a recipe you’ll come again to each fall as quickly as you see the sugar pumpkins pop up in shops.

What’s a sugar pumpkin?

Sugar pumpkins, also referred to as pie pumpkins, are small, spherical pumpkins that sometimes weigh between 2 to 4 kilos. Not like the big pumpkins used for carving, sugar pumpkins are grown particularly for cooking and baking. Jack-o-lantern pumpkins are bland and watery, whereas sugar pumpkins have the wealthy pumpkin taste you might be on the lookout for if you consider pumpkin puree.

You’ll usually discover sugar pumpkins within the produce part of most U.S. grocery shops through the fall months, beginning round mid-September and lasting by means of November. They’re additionally broadly obtainable at farmers’ markets and pumpkin patches. Be sure you seize a pair whereas they’re in season—they’re good for stocking up and freezing for later use!

Scooping Out Guts and Seeds

Scooping out pumpkin seeds could be a little messy, however at the least it isn’t laborious! After you’ve reduce your sugar pumpkin in half, seize a sturdy spoon (or perhaps a melon baller in case you have one) to scrape out the seeds and pulp. Begin across the edges and work your approach to the center, urgent firmly to loosen all the things up. If it’s providing you with a tough time, you can too use your fingers to drag out the larger chunks—don’t be afraid to get in there!

When you’ve bought the seeds and pulp out, give them a fast rinse in a colander to take away the stringy bits. And don’t overlook, these seeds are perfect for roasting, so set them apart for a scrumptious snack!

Pureeing Tools Choices

In terms of pureeing your roasted pumpkin, you’ve bought a couple of choices so you need to use whichever of those you have already got readily available.

Meals Processor: That is the best and most effective possibility. Simply toss the roasted pumpkin flesh into the processor, and mix till clean. You may must scrape down the edges a few occasions, nevertheless it’ll offer you a superbly silky puree very quickly.

Blender: For those who don’t have a meals processor, a blender works nice too! Simply be sure to mix in small batches and add a splash of water if wanted to assist issues alongside. You’ll have to cease and stir sometimes to get it absolutely clean.

Potato Masher: Don’t have a processor or blender? No drawback! A great old school potato masher will work simply wonderful. Simply maintain mashing till it’s clean.

Utilizing Your Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree is so scrumptious by itself, it may be loved similar to mashed potatoes! Serve it as a facet dish with somewhat butter, salt, and pepper for a easy, cozy fall meal. You can even sweeten it with a drizzle of maple syrup and cinnamon for an ideal autumn deal with.

In terms of baking, your do-it-yourself puree can simply be used instead of canned pumpkin in any recipe. One 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree is roughly equal to 1¾ cups of do-it-yourself puree. Use it in all of your favourite fall recipes like pumpkin pie, muffins, breads, and even smoothies.

Earlier than utilizing the puree in any recipe, although, be sure it has cooled to room temperature.