Pumpkin Lime Conserve

This Pumpkin Lime Conserve is a delightful preserve that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the tangy kick of lime. It's a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat throughout the day. The preparation involves creating a rich syrup with sugar and flavorful spices, which is then infused with fresh pumpkin and lime juice. The end result is a smooth, spreadable conserve with a perfect balance of flavors. Enjoy it on toast, right out of the jar, or as an accompaniment to various desserts. Not only is it delicious, but it's an excellent way to preserve the pumpkin's bounty throughout the year. Making this conserve is simple and rewarding, adding a homemade touch to your pantry. Follow the detailed instructions below to make your own batch of this delightful preserve. You'll discover how easy it is to create a beautiful jar of sweetness with just a few ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 kg pumpkin
1 kg sugar
3 limes

Additional Ingredients:

200 ml water
1 handful of cloves
1 tbsp vanilla sugar
5 allspice berries

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the syrup: In a large pot, combine the water and sugar. Add the cloves and allspice berries for a fragrant infusion.
Bring the mixture to a boil, continuing to stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the spices to infuse their flavors.
After turning off the heat, allow the syrup to rest for an additional 15 minutes, ensuring the spices release their full aroma.
Carefully remove the allspice and cloves from the syrup. The syrup is now ready to use.
Prepare the pumpkin: While the syrup is cooling, peel the pumpkin and cut it into small pieces.
Add the pumpkin chunks to the pot with the sugar syrup. Squeeze in the juice from the limes for a zesty punch.
Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer once more, cooking until the pumpkin is tender.
Check with a fork to ensure the pumpkin pieces are soft.
Once the pumpkin is cooked, blend the mixture to a smooth consistency. You could use an immersion blender or a regular blender for this step.
To get a finer texture, you can also press the cooked mix through a sieve.
Taste the conserve and adjust with additional lime juice or sugar if desired for your personal taste.
Fill sterilized jars with the hot conserve, sealing them immediately.
Let the jars cool down at room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Lime Conserve spread on toast or use it as a topping for desserts.

Tips

Substitutions: Consider using honey instead of sugar for a different sweetness.
Storage: Store in sterilized jars for longer shelf life.
Pumpkin Variety: Choose a firm, sweet pumpkin variety for the best flavor.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per 100g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugars: 43g
Protein: 0.5g
Fat: 0.2g

Variations

For a more exotic twist, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom.
Experiment with orange juice in place of lime for a different citrus profile.
Replace pumpkin with butternut squash for a slightly different texture.

Serving Suggestions

Spread generously on warm toast or scones for a delightful breakfast.
Pair with sharp cheese on a cheese platter for a sweet-savory contrast.
Use as a filling for cakes or tarts for an autumnal dessert.

Best Places

Pumpkin Cafe - Renowned for seasonal delights and creative pumpkin dishes. Location: 123 Harvest Street, Portland, USA.
Conserve Corner - A charming spot known for artisanal preserves. Location: 456 Maple Avenue, Edinburgh, UK.
Lime & Thyme Bistro - Offers a unique twist on traditional recipes. Location: 789 Citrus Lane, Sydney, Australia.
Syrup Sensations - Specializes in sweet spreads and comfort food. Location: 321 Elm St, Toronto, Canada.
Gourmet Pantry - Famous for preserving seasonal produce in creative ways. Location: 654 Pine Road, Auckland, New Zealand.
Toast & Jam - The go-to place for a hearty breakfast and homemade jams. Location: 987 Bread Ave, Cape Town, South Africa.
The Pumpkin King - Celebrates everything about pumpkins, all-year-round. Location: 246 Pumpkin Row, Dublin, Ireland.
Sweet Haven Cafe - Offers a variety of spreads and homemade breads. Location: 1357 Berry Blvd, New York, USA.
Jar & Crust Pies - Known for delightful pies and preserves with top-tier ingredients. Location: 890 Crust Road, Paris, France.
Seasonal Larder - Uses local ingredients for a sustainable menu. Location: 432 Green St, Vancouver, Canada.