Pumpkin Puree

Hello HTS Community

If you are someone who loves pumpkin as much as I do, you are going to love the recipes using this puree. There are three ways to make pumpkin puree, using a pan method, roasting in oven and third with steaming the pumpkin. All three of these result in a super luxurious puree, that can be used in sweet or savory recipes. The puree freezes well, so you can make a quick curry, or pumpkin bread and muffins, pancakes with the puree and the pumpkin spice. This puree could also be used as baby food.

It is always better to make pumpkin puree at home, because it assures that it does not have any preservatives, additives or artificial coloring. Moreover, you can opt for any type of pumpkin or winter squash that you prefer and have available. The sweetness and color will vary with the type of pumpkin you use. Follow the step by step guide.

Method 1: Using a pan

Take the desired amount of pumpkin, remove the seeds and pith. Chop it in cubes, around an inch or 1.5 inch in size.

In a pan, cover the pumpkin cubes with just enough water to cover it. Simmer with or without a lid, until tender.

Using a colander, drain out the water and let the cubes cool down completely. Make a paste without any water in a blender, or mash with a fork completely. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Method 2: Roasted Pumpkin Puree using oven

Take the desired quantity of pumpkin, remove the seeds, outer peel, and pith. Chop it in cubes, around an inch or 1.5 inch in size. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Preheat oven to 180 degree Celsius for 10 minutes and bake for 40-45 minutes, until tender. Let it cool completely and then make a puree using a bender. Do not use any water.

Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months. This puree can be used in any recipe that calls for canned pumpkin puree. 1/2 kilograms of pumpkin resulted in 3/4 cup of pumpkin puree with this method.

Method 3: Steaming the Pumpkin

Take the desired quantity of pumpkin, remove the seeds, outer peel, and pith. Chop it in cubes, around an inch or 1.5 inch in size.

Take a pot and fill with 2 cups of water, start boiling it. Place a steamer over the pot, and put the pumpkin cubes in the steamer. Steam for 15-20 minutes, until the pumpkin cubes are tender.

Let it cool completely and then make a puree using a bender, or mash with a fork completely. Do not use any water. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.