Homemade pumpkin puree is easy to make and can be used in so many delicious recipes. All you need is an oven and a blender.
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This was our first year planting sugar pumpkins in our garden. Sugar pumpkins are smaller and sweeter pumpkins that are perfect for using in homemade desserts. Homemade pumpkin puree can be used to replace canned pumpkin in recipes as it is the same thing. The only ingredient in store-bought canned pumpkin is “pumpkin”.
Is pumpkin healthy?
Pumpkin is rich in vitamins (especially vitamin A), minerals, and antioxidants. It is also a good source of fiber.
When is a sugar pumpkin ready to pick?
Sugar pumpkins are ready to pick when the rinds are hard and a deep shade of orange. The stem and vines around the pumpkin will be dry and the pumpkin will snap right off the withered vine.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree
I like to cook two pumpkins at a time, which makes about 4 cups of pumpkin puree. Wash the pumpkins and break the stems off.
Cut the pumpkins in half, and with a spoon, scrape/scoop out the seeds and pulp from the center. Save the seeds for roasting.
Place the pumpkins upside down on a cooking sheet. Bake in a 400°F oven for 25-30 minutes or until fork tender.
Let the pumpkin cool and then remove the skin. It may just peel off or you may need to use a paring knife to cut the skins off.
Place the pumpkin chunks in a bowl and puree. I have used an immersion blender and my Blendtec for this step; both work well.
The pumpkin puree is now ready to use or put it in a container or freezer zip top bag and place in the freezer to use at a later date.
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Homemade Pumpkin Puree
Skip the canned store-bought pumpkin and make your own pumpkin puree.
Ingredients
- 2 sugar pumpkins
Instructions
- Wash the pumpkins and break off the stems.
- Cut the pumpkins in half and scoop/scrape out the seeds and pulp. Set the seeds aside for roasting.
- Place the pumpkins upside down on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until fork tender.
- Let the pumpkin cool and then peel the skin off.
- Place the peeled pumpkin in a bowl or blender container. Blend until smooth.
- Use in a recipe or freeze to use at a later date.