At this time of year, my bet is your Instagram & Pinterest feeds are starting to fill up with aaaaaaalll the colourful pumpkin recipes! You might be wondering how to make your own pumpkin puree. Keep reading and I’ll show you how easy it is so you can start making all the delicious fall inspired recipes too!
Sure, you could buy pumpkin puree in a tin… but it’s not available everywhere, it’s often overpriced and (if you’re like me!) you might just prefer the homemade version. It might sound like too much work to make your own, but I promise you it’s so easy – it just takes a few simple steps.
Pumpkin is super versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. Combine it with a blend of pumpkin spices and you’ll be able to create any number of cosy fall recipes (see some suggestions below too!)
Ayurveda Perspective on Pumpkin
In Ayurveda, pumpkin is considered to be slightly sweet, cooling, heavy. These qualities give pumpkin it’s soothing, relaxing qualities but can also make it difficult to digest.
Generally it reduces Pitta dosha but increases Vata and Kapha. However, adding some appropriate spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves can easily balance it so all doshas can enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- Pumpkin
- That’s It!
What Type of Pumpkin Should I Use?
It’s best to use small pumpkins that are suitable for baking. These generally taste better and have a better texture when blended. You might see them labeled as ‘sugar pumpkin’ in the supermarket. Leave the larger pumpkins for carving! 🎃 Butternut squash is a suitable substitute if you can’t find pumpkin.
My Favourite Recipes Using Pumpkin Puree
What Else Can you Make with Pumpkin Puree?
Once you know how to make pumpkin puree, there are so many different ways you can use it! Here are just a few ideas of where you can incorporate it while cooking:
- Pumpkin muffins
- Pumpkin spiced latte
- Pumpkin pasta sauce
- Pumpkin soup
- Pumpkin pie
- Pumpkin hummus
- Pumpkin puree is also a great food for babies when they are starting solids!
- You can also make a DIY face mask with it!
Are You Going to Make Pumpkin Puree?
If you make one of my recipes, I would love to know how it turns out! Make sure to leave a review in the comments section below. It means so much to me and helps others find my recipes too!
Also, make sure to follow @ayurvedawithrebecca on Instagram & Pinterest for more healthy, Ayurveda inspired recipes! You can also save this recipe for later by adding it to your recipe board on Pinterest!
How to Make Pumpkin Puree
Ingredients
- pumpkin (small sized pumpkins are best)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C and line a baking tray with parchment paper
- Cut the pumpkin in half, and scrape out all the seeds and stringy bits!
- Place the pumpkin on the baking tray cut-side down and roast for about 50-60 minutes, or until the pumpkin is nice and soft
- When the pumpkin is done, scrape the flesh away from the skin and place in a mixing bowl (discard the skin)
- Blend with a stick blender to form a smooth puree
- Enjoy making pumpkin inspired recipes with your own homemade pumpkin puree!
