Pumpkin puree

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PRESENTATION

Pumpkin puree is a cozy side dish you’ll often find on Italian tables once the weather cools down, especially up north—where pumpkins are everywhere in autumn. And look, people in Italy love this homemade pumpkin puree. Why? It has that creamy texture everyone expects, minus the butter, which lets the sweet and earthy flavors of pumpkin and potatoes stand out. Steaming the veggies instead of roasting or boiling? Genius. Keeps it really moist and light, so it doesn’t feel heavy like mashed potatoes sometimes do.

Folks often serve this instead of mashed potatoes or cauliflower purée when they want something simple but special. It’s pretty common to find other pumpkin dishes, too—like “zucca in padella”—but this pumpkin puree recipe is all about comfort with a lighter touch. For anyone craving something smooth and comforting but still a bit healthier, fresh pumpkin puree totally works. It's like a big, tender hug on a chilly evening, and goes great with roasted meats—or even on its own, really.

People appreciate that it doesn’t need a lot of extra stuff to taste good. The pumpkin's natural flavor really shines, and the potatoes add just enough body for that velvety finish. Lots of folks are surprised by how filling and tasty it is, considering how simple it sounds. And you know what? Making your own pumpkin puree at home means knowing exactly what's in it. You get all those pumpkin puree benefits and pumpkin puree nutrition without any weird ingredients.

Italian home cooks adore dishes like this. They’re easy, satisfying, and make a meal feel a bit more special without any fuss. So, when pumpkin season rolls around, give this a try. It's way, way better than you’d expect. Simple food can be seriously good. It’s a delight that’s sure to become a staple in your autumn meals, celebrating the rich traditions of Italian cuisine. And, for real, it’s one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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INGREDIENTS
Pumpkin 1.5 lbs (700 g) - (cleaned)
Potatoes 0.9 lb (400 g) - starchy
Whole milk 0.7 cup (150 g)
Cinnamon powder 1 tsp
Extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp (15 g)
Fine salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Pumpkin puree

To prepare the pumpkin puree, start by cleaning it to get 700 g (1.54 lbs) of flesh. Cut it into slices and remove the skin 1, then cut it into cubes 2. Do the same with the potatoes by peeling them first 3.

Then cut them into cubes 4. Place the pumpkin and potatoes in a steamer 5, set over a pot with boiling water, and cover with the lid 6.

The cubes will cook in about 40 minutes 7, but check with a fork to ensure they are tender 8. Transfer everything to a potato masher 9.

and make a puree 10. Transfer it to a pot and add the oil 11, the milk 12.

and then season with cinnamon, salt, and pepper 13. At this point, place on the stove over low heat and stir with a whisk for a few minutes, so the mixture is smooth and creamy 14. Turn off the heat and enjoy the pumpkin puree while it's hot 15.

Storage

Pumpkin puree can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days, or you can choose to freeze it if needed.

Tip

Do you want to make the pumpkin puree an even tastier side dish, maybe a main course? Add cubes of cured meats, like ham or salami, and then some cheese. Additionally, a nice gratin in the oven could make it a truly exquisite dish! Finally, if you don't like cinnamon or want to add a spicy note, then grate some fresh ginger.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.