Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Step 1: Cook the Pumpkin

• Prepare the Pumpkin:
  Place 750g of pumpkin or butternut squash in a large saucepan and cover with water.
• Boil and Simmer:
  Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender.
• Drain and Cool:
  Drain the pumpkin and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

• Preheat the Oven:
  Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
• Roll Out the Pastry:
  On a lightly floured surface, roll out 350g sweet shortcrust pastry.
  • Use it to line a 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin.
• Chill the Pastry:
  Chill the lined tart tin in the fridge for 15 minutes.
• Blind Bake the Pastry:
  • Line the pastry with baking parchment and fill with baking beans.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the beans and parchment, then bake for an additional 10 minutes until the base is pale golden and biscuity.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Filling

• Increase Oven Temperature:
  Raise the oven temperature to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7.
• Prepare the Pumpkin Purée:
  Push the cooled pumpkin through a sieve into a large bowl.
• Mix Dry Ingredients:
  In a separate bowl, combine:
  • 140g caster sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp grated fresh nutmeg
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (reserve half for later)
• Combine Ingredients:
  Mix in 2 beaten eggs, 25g melted butter, and 175ml milk, then stir this mixture into the pumpkin purée until well combined.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

• Fill the Tart Shell:
  Pour the pumpkin filling into the prepared tart shell.
• Initial Bake:
  Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
• Continue Baking:
  Bake for another 35-40 minutes until the filling is just set.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

• Cool the Pie:
  Let the tart cool, then carefully remove it from the tin.
• Dust with Cinnamon:
  Mix the reserved cinnamon with 1 tbsp icing sugar and dust over the pie.
• Serve Chilled:
  Enjoy the pie chilled!

Tip

• Meringue Topping:
  For an indulgent twist, consider adding a meringue topping instead of just icing sugar.

Health Benefits

• Why Pumpkin is Healthy:
  Pumpkin is rich in vital vitamins and minerals. Discover more about its health benefits and check out healthy pumpkin recipes!