How to Make Pumpkin Puree

Learn how to make pumpkin puree with this step-by-step guide for making homemade pumpkin puree, plus pumpkin puree recipes ideas.

Are you one of the millions of people that purchased a fall pumpkin (or five) this holiday season for some festive fall decor? If you answered yes and you’re thinking about throwing it away because it’s no longer useful, wait a second! Listen to this—pumpkins are actually edible! You can use pumpkins to create a delicious homemade pumpkin puree and incorporate it into a variety of yummy fall recipes—pumpkin latte, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin hummus, pies, smoothies, veggie patties and more—to share with your friends and family. Not only are you making good use of the pumpkins, but you can also concoct a variety of nutritious, plant-based pumpkin puree recipes.

What is Pumpkin Puree?

It is essentially cooked, blended pumpkin. All you have to do is cook the pumpkin without the seeds and skins, and puree it with an immersion blender or traditional blender. So, what’s edible in the pumpkin? Interestingly enough, the entire pumpkin is edible. Although I’ll be sharing my secret to making a fresh pumpkin puree, I also wanted to let you know that you can roast and season the pumpkin seeds, making the seeds inside the pumpkin shell edible and delicious (so don’t throw out those seeds!). You might be thinking that making a pumpkin puree sounds tedious, however, it’s actually so simple and can be done in just a few steps; all you need is that pumpkin and some spirit, along with these step-by-step directions.

Watch me make this recipe on Instagram here.

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

1 medium pumpkin
Water
2 tablespoons melted dairy-free margarine or vegetable oil (try avocado or walnut oil!), if desired (optional)
Salt (optional)
Large knife
Cutting board
Baking sheet to roast the pumpkin
Large bowl
Masher (potato masher)
Immersion blender (or high power blender)