How to Roast Pumpkin & Make Pumpkin Puree
With this easy recipe, you'll learn how to roast a pumpkin and turn it into a perfectly smooth pumpkin puree for your favorite fall dishes. Whether you're making pumpkin pie, bread, or even a savory side dish, homemade pumpkin puree adds unbeatable freshness and flavor.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 49kcal
Ingredients
- 1 medium sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin 2 to 6 pounds
- Fine sea salt optional
- 3-4 tbsp water optional if the pumpkin is too dry
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Prep the pumpkin: Rinse the pumpkin thoroughly and dry it off with a clean kitchen towel.
- Scoop out the insides: Using a sturdy spoon, remove the seeds and stringy pulp from the middle. Don’t toss the seeds—you can save them for roasting later!
- Cut into pieces: Carefully cut the pumpkin into 4 manageable pieces using a sharp knife. Place the pieces, flesh side down, into a baking dish.
- Roast: Pop the baking dish in the oven and roast for 40-50 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender enough to pierce with a fork. Larger pumpkins may need a few extra minutes, so keep an eye on it.
- Cool and peel: Once done, remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, peel off the skin—it should come off easily.
- Make the puree: Transfer the roasted pumpkin flesh to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. If the puree seems a bit thick or dry, slowly add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The puree should be thick but spreadable, not watery. If you prefer a more flavorful puree, feel free to add a pinch of salt or a dash of cinnamon for a cozy twist.
Video
Notes
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can mash the roasted pumpkin by hand using a fork or a potato masher. It might take a bit more effort, but it works just as well.
- Some pumpkins can be more watery, while others are drier. Depending on the type of pumpkin you use, you may need to add a few tablespoons of water to help the puree reach a smooth consistency.
- If your puree turns out too watery, you can strain it using a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to remove any excess moisture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Potassium: 564mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 12231IU | Vitamin C: 11.5mg | Net Carbs: 9g