Pumpkin puree is so easy to make with a pie pumpkin or a Jack-o’-Lantern. This pumpkin puree recipe works for any type of pumpkin. The puree from pie pumpkins is thicker and best suited for baking. Jack-o’-Lantern puree is thinner and makes great soups and stews. Either pumpkin puree can be used for smoothies or smoothie bowls. Don’t ever waste your Fall or Halloween decor. Pumpkins are edible and delicious. The puree can also be frozen for year round use.
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What tools do you need to make pumpkin puree?
- 8-inch chef’s knife
- Sheet pan – half sheet is fine
- Parchment paper
- Immersion blender
Pumpkin Puree Ingredients
- Pie pumpkin or Jack-o’-Lantern
- 1 Tablespoon Canola oil
How to make pumpkin puree
Start with a Jack-o’-Lantern. It helps if you carve a sad face, because you need to slice him up and put him in the oven. Or you can use a pie pumpkin, the recipe is the same.
Note: If you are planning to make puree from your Jack-o’-Lantern, I recommend carving your pumpkin on Halloween. Set him on your porch for only a few hours while you welcome your trick-or-treaters, them bring him inside and rinse him off inside and out before baking. If you want to light him up, use battery operated lights rather than a candle, so you don’t have wax to clean up.
Slice your pumpkin in half, or into manageable pieces that will fit on your pan and in your oven. Remove the seeds and guts, if you have not done so already. Use a silicone brush to coat the inside with canola oil, alternatively you can spray the inside with oil.
Place your pumpkin cut side down on a sheet pan.
This is much easier with a pie pumpkin. I even had room for some white acorn squash.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 40-60 minutes depending on the size of your pumpkin. You will know it is ready when the flesh is soft and breaks apart easily when poked with a fork.
Allow the pumpkin to cool for 10-15 minutes or until you can handle it. Remove the flesh from the skin. With a pie pumpkin, it’s easy to use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. With a large pumpkin, it’s easier to slice it into strips and remove the skin with a knife. Discard the skin.
Place the flesh in a blender and process it until smooth. Alternatively, you can place it in a bowl and use an immersion blender.
Use the Jack-o’-Lantern puree to make your favorite pumpkin soup. Use the Pie pumpkin puree in your favorite pumpkin pie, bread or other desserts.
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