Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Puree is a pantry staple I rely on every year to satisfy my pumpkin obsession. With its silky texture, pure pumpkin flavor, and organic goodness, this little can is a ticket to culinary creativity.
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How to make Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Puree
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Purée is a seasonal pantry staple that the store sells, usually around fall. It’s a canned product made from 100% pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling), with no added sugar, spices, or flavorings.
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh sugar pumpkin (also known as pie pumpkin)
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the optimal temperature to roast the pumpkin without burning it.
- Prepare the Pumpkin: Wash the outside of the pumpkin to remove dirt.
- Slice the pumpkin in half using a sharp knife. Be careful while doing this, as the outer skin can be tough.
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp using a spoon. (Save the seeds if you’d like to roast them for a crunchy snack!)
- Roast the Pumpkin: Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Roast the pumpkin in the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the skin is soft and you can easily pierce it with a fork.
- Cool and Peel the Skin: Once the pumpkin is tender, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes (or until it’s safe to handle).
- Peel off the skin—it should come off easily after roasting.
- Blend the Flesh: Transfer the roasted pumpkin flesh into a food processor, blender, or use an immersion blender. Puree the pumpkin until it has a smooth, creamy consistency. If the pumpkin seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time to reach your preferred texture.
- Store the Puree: For immediate use, the pumpkin puree can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, portion the puree into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Puree:
- Choose the Right Pumpkin: Sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins are ideal for this recipe. Carving pumpkins are less sweet and more fibrous, so they’re not the best choice for puree.
- Roasting vs. Boiling: Roasting is recommended because it intensifies the natural sweetness and flavor of the pumpkin, whereas boiling can dilute some of the taste.
- Blending Options: If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a fork or potato masher for a more rustic texture (though it won’t be as smooth).
- Season Only When Needed: Homemade pumpkin puree is super versatile. Avoid seasoning it (salt, sugar, or spices) unless you’re planning to use it immediately in a specific recipe.
What to serve with
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Puree is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can complement a variety of recipes and dishes.
1. Serve as a Soup Base
Pumpkin puree is an excellent base for warm, creamy soups. Pair it with the following dishes to create a full, hearty meal:
- Serve with Freshly Baked Bread: Crusty sourdough or homemade garlic bread is the perfect pairing for a silky pumpkin soup. You can even try dipping the bread into the soup for maximum comfort.
- Add a Side Salad: Balance out the creaminess of the soup with a crisp green salad loaded with apples, pecans, and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Top with Garnishes: Enhance the soup itself with roasted pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of cream, or croutons to add texture and contrast.
2. Accompany Sauces or Pasta
Pumpkin puree works great as the star ingredient in a fall-inspired sauce, perfect for pasta. Here’s how to serve it:
- Pumpkin Alfredo: Create a creamy pumpkin Alfredo sauce by mixing the puree with heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and nutmeg. Toss with fettuccine or penne for a delightful autumn meal.
- Pair with Proteins: Grilled chicken sausage, crusted salmon, or crispy bacon make excellent toppings for a pumpkin-infused pasta dish.
- Serve with Garlic Knots: These flavorful bites on the side will complete your meal while adding a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re planning to make your own pumpkin puree, or you have Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Puree in mind but need substitutions for specific reasons (dietary preference, availability, or flavor), there are several ingredient substitutes that you can use while still achieving delicious results.
Pumpkin
1. Sweet Potatoes
Why It Works: Sweet potatoes have a similar texture, sweetness, and earthy flavor to pumpkin, making them an excellent 1:1 substitute.
How to Use: Roast sweet potatoes, remove the skins, and puree the flesh in a food processor or blender until smooth. You can thin it out with a little water or broth if needed.
Best For: Baking (like muffins, bread, or pies), soups, and savory sauces.
2. Butternut Squash
Why It Works: Butternut squash is another excellent alternative for pumpkin. Its sweeter, slightly nutty flavor can bring a delightful twist to your recipes.
How to Use: Roast or steam butternut squash cubes, then puree. Strain the puree slightly if it’s too watery. Use a 1:1 ratio to replace pumpkin puree.
Best For: Soups, risottos, pasta dishes, or desserts like pies and bread.
3. Acorn Squash
Why It Works: Acorn squash has a milder flavor but still offers a creamy texture when cooked and blended.
How to Use: Roast acorn squash halves with the seeds removed, scoop out the flesh after cooking, and puree. Add a pinch of sugar or honey if you’re trying to mimic the sweetness of pumpkin.
Best For: Savory dishes, like soups or casseroles.
4. Carrots
Why It Works: Carrots offer a sweet and earthy flavor similar to pumpkin, and their bright orange color makes them a visually appealing alternative.
How to Use: Peel and boil or steam the carrots until they are soft, then blend them until completely smooth. Adjust the consistency with water or broth as necessary.
Best For: Soups, smoothies, or baked goods where a sweeter flavor is welcome.
5. Canned Alternatives (If Homemade Puree Is Not an Option)
- Canned Sweet Potatoes: A quick and easy substitute for pumpkin puree, especially if you’re short on time.
- Canned Butternut Squash: Some stores carry this as a ready-to-use ingredient, and it works wonderfully in nearly all pumpkin-based recipes.
- Mashed Parsnips: Though less sweet, parsnips can work in a pinch if blended and slightly sweetened.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Puree makes it easy to get creative in the kitchen, whether you’re whipping up a savory entree, a festive dessert, or a comforting fall drink.
More Trader Joe’s Recipes:
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Banana Bread Recipe
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Recipe
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Maple Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 fresh sugar pumpkin
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the optimal temperature to roast the pumpkin without burning it.
- Prepare the Pumpkin: Wash the outside of the pumpkin to remove dirt.
- Slice the pumpkin in half using a sharp knife. Be careful while doing this, as the outer skin can be tough.
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp using a spoon. (Save the seeds if you'd like to roast them for a crunchy snack!)
- Roast the Pumpkin: Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Roast the pumpkin in the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the skin is soft and you can easily pierce it with a fork.
- Cool and Peel the Skin: Once the pumpkin is tender, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes (or until it's safe to handle).
- Peel off the skin—it should come off easily after roasting.
- Blend the Flesh: Transfer the roasted pumpkin flesh into a food processor, blender, or use an immersion blender. Puree the pumpkin until it has a smooth, creamy consistency. If the pumpkin seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time to reach your preferred texture.
- Store the Puree: For immediate use, the pumpkin puree can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, portion the puree into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
