Marmellata di Zucca (Pumpkin Jam)

🍂 Fall is a season bursting with color and flavorPumpkin Jam, especially in the kitchen! While many think it’s a time when nature slows down, the truth is, autumn gives us a spectacular bounty of fruits and veggies. And there’s nothing more quintessentially autumnal than pumpkin! 🎃

Sure, America has perfected the pumpkin pie, but here in Italy, we have our own tricks up our sleeve. One of the best? Pumpkin jam. This delightfully spiced and heartwarming jam is perfect for your pantry—it echoes childhood memories of tart-filled afternoons while offering endless versatility today. 🍞🧀🍪

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Jam

• Versatile: Perfect as a tart filling, spread on homemade bread, or paired with Italian salumi and aged cheeses.
• Heartwarming: Evokes the comforting flavours and smells of autumn evenings at home.
• Easy to Make: With a pinch of love and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a jar of deliciousness.

👨‍🍳 Quick Tip: It’s also just as good eaten straight out of the jar with a spoon—no judgment here!

🥄 Ingredients (Serves multiple jars)

To make your own marmellata di zucca, gather these simple ingredients:

• 🎃 1 kg pumpkin (peeled and diced)
• 🍬 350g sugar
• 🍋 1 organic lemon (use both juice and rind)
• 🌰 ½ dl Amaretto liqueur
• 🌡 ½ tsp cinnamon
• 🧂 A dash of nutmeg

✏️ Note: Use a fresh, natural pumpkin—the sweeter, the better! Organic lemons are preferred since you’ll be using the rind.

✨ How to Make Pumpkin Jam

This recipe is straightforward, but it requires a little patience. The pumpkin needs to rest with the sugar overnight, so plan to start the evening before! 🍴

🕒 Step 1 (The Night Before)

• Peel and dice the pumpkin, removing all seeds.
• Place the diced pumpkin into a large saucepan and mix with all the sugar.
• Cover with a lid and rest in a cool spot overnight (about 12 hours).

🎉 Pro Tip: Resting with the sugar helps release the pumpkin’s natural juices, deepening the flavour!

🕒 Step 2 (Cooking Time)

• The next day, place the saucepan on low heat.
• Add the lemon juice, lemon rind, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Cook for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
• Remove the lemon rind once cooking is complete.

👩‍🍳 Optional: For a smoother jam, use a blender or sieve to puree the mixture into a velvety consistency.

🕒 Step 3 (Add a Twist!)

• Stir in the Amaretto liqueur and mix well. This gives the jam a rich, nutty aroma that’s simply irresistible! 🌰✨

🕒 Step 4 (Preserving Like a Pro)

• While the jam cooks, sterilize your mason jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
• Fill the jars with the jam while it’s still hot, seal tightly, and place them upside down to cool.
• Finally, place the jars in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a gentle boil for 20–25 minutes.
• Allow everything to cool completely before handling.

💡 Storage Tip: Store unopened jars in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 2 weeks.

💛 Pairing Suggestions

• Use as a filling for Italian crostate (tarts).
• Spread on a slice of fresh sourdough or homemade focaccia.
• Create an hors d’oeuvre plate featuring aged cheese (pecorino or parmigiano) and salumi.
• Add a seasonal twist to your breakfast pastries by using it in croissants or cookies.

🔥 Try This: For a gourmet touch, drizzle over vanilla ice cream!

🍁 Your Autumn Essential is Here!

Voilà! Your marmellata di zucca is ready to elevate all your fall dishes. 🧡 Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed in quiet moments, this pumpkin jam is a true taste of autumn in every spoonful.

📸 Don’t forget to snap your creation and tag us with #PumpkinLoveJam—we’d love to see how you bring this recipe to life!

Discover more traditional Italian recipes and tricks to enrich your home cooking here. 🥂