Preheat the oven too 200C/395F, then wash the outside of your pumpkin and then chop in half. To do this, I like to start at the base and cut through the center. When you reach the stem, you should be able to rip apart the pumpkin by hand.
Using a spoon, scoop out all the stringy flesh and seeds (The seeds can be kept to be roasted as well!).
Melt your coconut butter and brush or rub into the flesh. Then sprinkle lightly with some salt (optionally).
Bake the pumpkin on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, cut side downwards, until fork tender.
Depending on the size of the pumpkin this can take anywhere from 20 - 50 minutes so I'd check after twenty minutes, then every 5 minutes after, to make sure it doesn't burn at all.
Leave to cool slightly so that you're able to handle it lightly in your hands.
At this point you can either peel off the skin or scoop out the flesh with a spoon. I find peeling it far easier though as it comes off in strips and means less waste AND less mess.
Blend in a blender or food processor till smooth. This can take some time, due to the stringy consistency of pumpkin. Don't be afraid to blend for up to five minutes till you have a really smooth pumpkin puree.
How To Thicken
Pumpkins have different levels of moisture, and generally, homemade pumpkin puree tends to be more watery than canned versions. If you find that yours seems a little too liquidy then there are a couple of 'fixes'/ options.
First, you could leave the puree as is and simply reduce some of the extra liquid content in whatever recipe you're using it for.
Alternatively, if you want the puree to have the same thick consistency as canned versions, then allow it to drain in a cheesecloth-lined colander/strainer for 2-3 hours immediately after pureeing.
The drained liquid doesn't need to be discarded either. Using it within smoothies,soups, stews, bread recipes, etc.
Finally, instead of draining, you could always pour the puree into a pan and simmer over a low-medium heat until reduced and thickened.
How To Store
Homemade pumpkin puree will store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It may separate slightly while chilled. You can either drain the liquid or simply stir it back into the puree before using it.
Can you freeze pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can! It can be stored for between 3-4 months in a freezer-friendly container. Portion it into silicone moulds (like an XL ice-cube tray) or cupcake pans or freeze in a single freezer-friendly container.To defrost, simply leave to thaw in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, it's best to use the puree within a couple of days.
Notes
You can use this same method for various other winter squash varieties such as acorn squash, butternut squash, etc. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the pieces you roast.
If you'd prefer, you can steam the pumpkin. Peel and cube it first then steam for 10-15 minutes, or until knife-tender.
Save the pumpkin seeds to roast/use at a later point (like for this Pumpkin Seed Butter, The Best Seed Cracker Recipe, or 5-Seed DIY Vegan Protein Blend). However, if you don't plan to use them then you can roast the pumpkin with the seeds/flesh still in. Scoop out the seeds once cooked (when they're easier to remove).
The yield of puree per pumpkin will vary. However, I've found a pumpkin just over 3lbs will yield around as much as is in a 15oz can of puree.