Luscious Sweet Pumpkin Casserole

Instructions

To macerate the Pumpkin:

1. Peel and de-core your pumpkin and cut it into bite-sized pieces about 2.5cm * 2.5cm (1 in * 1 in)
2. Weigh your pumpkin pieces and calculate 1/4 of the weight, that's how much sugar you will need
3. Add the sugar to the pumpkin in a bowl and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated
4. Leave the pumpkin overnight so the sugar can draw out the liquid from the pieces

To cook the Pumpkin:

1. Add the pumpkin pieces and their liquid into a large pot
2. Deseed your vanilla bean and add the empty shell to the pot as well
3. Place the pot on medium-high heat and bring up to a simmer
4. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the pumpkin pieces are fork-tender, do not overcook them till they get mushy
5. Strain them using a colander and reserve 500ml of their liquid

To cook the bechamel:

1. Melt the butter in the same pot that you cooked the pumpkin in
2. Once fully melted, toss in the flour and mix to combine
3. Cook the flour and butter together for 3-4 minutes until it forms a liquid and saucy consistency
4. Pour in a small amount of your milk (about 1/8) of the total amount and mix it into the flour, it will seize up and form a dough
5. Once the milk is fully incorporated, add a 1/4 of the remaining milk to the bechamel and work it in
6. Next add a 1/4 of the measured Pumpkin syrup (if your syrup is less than 500ml, then just increase the milk to the remaining amount) and mix in well until it has been fully mixed in
7. Continue alternating between the milk and pumpkin syrup until both have finished and a custardy bechamel has formed
8. Pour in the cream and combine it well with the bechamel until smooth and creamy
9. Add the vanilla seeds and mix in well

To assemble:

1. Place your drained pumpkin pieces in the bottom of a deep baking dish in a single even layer
2. Smooth the top of the pumpkin then top it with the bechamel you made
3. Use a spatula to flatten the top layer and smoothen it out
4. Bake in a 180c (350f) oven for 45 - 60 minutes until golden brown on top
5. Remove and let it cool for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving