Conserva de Calabaza (Mexican Pumpkin Puree Recipe)
This conserva de calabaza, also known as puré de calabaza, is a traditional Mexican pumpkin puree simmered with piloncillo, cinnamon, and cloves. Use it as a filling for empanadas, in tres leches pumpkin cake, or baked into pumpkin bread.
Servings: 6 cups
Ingredients
Pumpkin Puree:
- 4-to 5- pound sugar pie pumpkin
- 2 cups water
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 16 ounces piloncillo or 2 cups packed dark brown sugar
Instructions
Make Pumpkin Puree:
- Rinse the pumpkin and cut it in half. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Cut the pumpkin into pieces, leaving the skin on.
- Place the slices in a large pot with water. Cover and steam until the pumpkin is fork tender, about 20 to 40 minutes depending on the size of your pieces.
- Let the pumpkin cool slightly. Scoop the flesh from the skins and mash until smooth. Strain and reserve the cooking liquid.
- In the same pot, add the reserved cooking liquid, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Remove the spices.
- Return the spiced liquid to the pot and add the piloncillo. Cook over medium heat until it is fully melted. Stir in the mashed pumpkin and cook until thickened and combined. The puree will darken and take on a sweet, spiced flavor.
- Let the puree cool completely, then store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
- Piloncillo substitute: If you cannot find piloncillo, use dark brown sugar for a similar flavor.
- Pumpkin options: Fresh sugar pumpkin or calabaza work beautifully. You can also use canned pumpkin for a shortcut.
- Texture: For a smooth puree, use an immersion blender. For a rustic filling, mash by hand with a potato masher.
- Shortcut empanadas: On the blog you can also find an easy pumpkin empanada recipe made with canned pumpkin.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 111g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 2323mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 84g | Vitamin A: 57927IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 185mg | Iron: 6mg