Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 sugar pumpkin (2-4 lbs)
- 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it reaches the perfect roasting temperature by the time you're ready to bake the pumpkin.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place it aside. This prevents the pumpkin from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Cut the pumpkin: With a sharp knife, carefully remove the top and bottom ends of the pumpkin. Cut it in half lengthwise to expose the inner flesh and seeds.
- Scoop out seeds and strings: Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to thoroughly scrape out all seeds and fibrous strings from inside each half of the pumpkin.
- Brush with coconut oil and season: Generously brush the exposed pumpkin flesh with coconut oil. Sprinkle evenly with a pinch of sea salt, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg for a touch of sweetness and warmth.
- Place flesh side down: Position the pumpkin halves with the flesh side down on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even roasting and caramelization of the pumpkin surface.
- Pierce the skin: Using a fork, pierce the pumpkin skin several times all over. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents the pumpkin from bursting.
- Roast: Bake the pumpkin for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and a fork easily pierces the skin, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool down: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pumpkin cool for 15-20 minutes. This resting time makes handling easier and safer before removing the flesh.
- Remove flesh: Scoop out the roasted pumpkin flesh from the skin using a spoon. Discard the skin or save it for compost.
- Serve or puree: Enjoy the roasted pumpkin as is, optionally drizzled with maple syrup and topped with toasted coconut flakes. For puree, blend the pumpkin flesh in a high-speed blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Store leftovers: Keep roasted pumpkin covered in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to one month for later use.
Notes
- Choose a sugar pumpkin rather than a carving pumpkin for better flavor and texture.
- You can adjust the spices and sweeteners based on your preference or recipe requirements.
- Roasted pumpkin puree can be used in soups, pies, breads, and other recipes calling for pumpkin.
- Make sure to pierce the skin to avoid pressure buildup during roasting.
- If using frozen pumpkin puree later, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian