Introduction
Are you tired of buying canned pumpkin puree? With pumpkin season in full swing, it’s tempting to pick up a can of pre-made puree at the grocery store. Still, nothing beats making your pumpkin puree from scratch. Not only is it incredibly easy, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and create a more personalized taste. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to making pumpkin puree, health benefits, pumpkin types, seasonal uses, variations, and recipe ideas!
Step-by-Step Guide
Before you start making puree, you’ll need several pieces of equipment:
- A sharp knife
- A sharp-edged scraper
- A roasting tray and foil
- A blender or food processor
To prepare the pumpkin for roasting, start by washing it thoroughly and cutting it in half. Scoop out the seeds and the stringy bits with a scraper.
Next, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, place the pumpkin halves on the roasting tray covered with foil, and sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Roast the pumpkin for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the pieces. A fork should easily pierce the pumpkin when it is done. Let it cool before proceeding.
Now that the pumpkin is roasted, remove the flesh from the skin with a spoon or scraper and place it in a blender or food processor, ensuring no skin or seeds are left. Puree the roasted pumpkin until it becomes smooth and silky.
Your homemade pumpkin puree is now ready! You can store it in a sealable container up to a week. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays or bags to use it later.
Recipe Ideas
There are numerous ways to use pumpkin puree to make delicious recipes that are perfect for fall. Here are a few recipe ideas to try out:
Pumpkin Soup
To make pumpkin soup, heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and cook until the onions are tender. Add 4 cups of chicken broth, two cups of pumpkin puree, and a cup of cream. Stir until well combined. Bring the soup to boil and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Pumpkin Pancakes
To make pumpkin pancakes, mix two cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, two teaspoons of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and one teaspoon of cinnamon in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk an egg, one cup of pumpkin puree, one and a quarter cups of milk, and two tablespoons of melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold until they’re combined. Heat some butter or oil in a skillet and scoop a quarter cup of batter onto the skillet. Cook for two minutes on each side until lightly browned. Repeat until the batter is finished.
Pumpkin Muffins
To make pumpkin muffins, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, whisk two cups of flour, three teaspoons of baking powder, a teaspoon of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of ground ginger, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, and half a teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, beat two eggs, three-quarters cup of brown sugar, half a cup of pumpkin puree, a cup of milk, and half a cup of melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until well combined. Fill the muffin cups and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Health Benefits
Pumpkin puree is nutrient-rich and provides many health benefits to the human body. One cup of pumpkin puree contains three grams of fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium.
Pumpkin puree has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that boost immunity, promote healthy vision, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. It can also help regulate blood sugar and aid weight loss due to its high fiber content.
Incorporating pumpkin puree into your diet is a smart and healthy choice.
Different Types of Pumpkins
Not all pumpkins taste the same when it comes to making puree. Therefore, selecting the right pumpkin is crucial. Some common types of pumpkins used to make puree include:
- Sugar Pie Pumpkins
- Butternut Squash
- Long Island Cheese Pumpkin
- Cinderella Pumpkin
Sugar pie pumpkins are the best choice for making pumpkin puree. They have a sweet and condensed flavor, and their flesh is less watery than other pumpkin types.
Butternut squash makes a great alternative to pumpkins. It is also a type of winter squash, making it an excellent source of nutrition.
Long Island Cheese Pumpkins are a large cream-colored pumpkin with cheese or wheel shape, which is with sweet and smooth flesh.
Cinderella Pumpkins are a French heirloom variety, which is usually flat, with deep ribbing, and red-orange skin.
Seasonal Uses
Pumpkin puree is undoubtedly popular during the fall and holiday season. From pumpkin pies to pumpkin soups and drinks, there are endless possibilities. Here are a few ideas for using pumpkin puree during the fall season:
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Latte or Coffee
- Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Mac ‘n Cheese
- Pumpkin Chilli
Variations
If you are looking to add a different twist to traditional pumpkin puree, try incorporating different flavors. Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger make great spices to season pumpkin puree.
You could also try using alternative sweeteners, such as maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar. This will offer a unique sweetness to the dish.
Conclusion
Making pumpkin puree is incredibly easy, and once you’ve done it, you’ll never want to buy canned pumpkin puree again. Not only does it taste better, but it’s also nutritious and can be used in numerous recipes. Give it a try this fall season and have fun exploring different recipe ideas and variations.
