Have you ever wanted to make pumpkin pie straight from a pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin? Follow these steps to turn your fresh pumpkin into a delicious pie that's perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 pumpkin, about 6 inches in diameter
- 1 cup (250ml) milk or cream
- 1 cup (about 110g) Splenda (or substitute with brown sugar)
- 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 2 frozen pie crusts, thawed
- 4 large eggs
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing Pie Stuffing
Step 1. Cut a circle around the pumpkin stem with a knife
Remove this part and remove the stringy part of the fruit along with the seeds.
Step 2. Wash the outside of your pumpkin
Cut the pumpkin into squares or small pieces. Smaller pieces of pumpkin will ripen faster.
Step 3. Cook the flesh of the pumpkin you just cut:
- How to boil: Boil the pumpkin pieces in a saucepan over medium heat, uncovered, until soft. Cook the pieces of fruit longer for a softer texture and stronger flavor in your pie. Cool and remove the skin if you are peeling the skin at this stage.
- How to bake in the oven: Preheat your oven to 135-149ºC. Bake the pumpkin in a shallow pan until soft when you prick it with a fork. Roasting the pumpkin will caramelize the flesh and retain nutrients that may be lost by boiling.
Step 4. Let the cooked pumpkin cool
Step 5. Place the cooked pumpkin in a blender
Add milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Blend all ingredients until they form a thick filling for your pie.
Step 6. Set up 2 bowls on your kitchen counter
Empty one cup of filling into each bowl.
Step 7. Place 2 eggs in each bowl
Beat eggs with a whisk. Avoid using electric mixers; as this can make your pie filling texture sticky.
Method 2 of 2: Assemble and Bake Pie
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 190ºC
Spray 2 pie pans with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2. Place your pie crust on these 2 baking sheets
Use your hands to press the pie crust into the pan. As described, pierce the bottom of the pie crust with a fork to allow air to flow. Make holes in the edges with a fork.
Step 3. Scoop the pie filling from the inside of 2 bowls into the 2 pie crusts
Spread the filling over the pie crust using the back of a spoon, and sprinkle the top with cinnamon.
Step 4. Bake the pie for 45 minutes on the same grill rack
Check your pie after 30 minutes to make sure it's not charred. If the crust has turned brown before the filling is done, wrap the pie crust in aluminum foil and continue baking.
Step 5. Remove the pie from the oven
Let cool to room temperature before serving with whipped cream and fresh grated nutmeg.
Tips
- If you've been trying to make a fresh pumpkin pie filling, complete it by making your own pie crust too! It will taste much more delicious.
- For a different taste, substitute the milk for egg nog. You may also need to reduce the sugar to adjust the taste. Sprinkle nutmeg on top instead of cinnamon, and you've added a Christmas flavor to your pie.
- Sprinkle a teaspoon of cumin over the pie before popping it in the oven for a dramatic flavor.
- Cover the pie crust with thin slices of apple drizzled with cinnamon before adding the filling if you want to give it a different taste.
