Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree is a very popular method for cooking with pumpkin. You can put it in cookies, breads, soups and even pudding! So the first recipe you should learn is making your puree. Here is an easy step-by-step guide to get you there. All you need is a pumpkin, a good knife, a sauce pan and either a food processor or blender!

1.      Just like carving a jack-o-lantern, cut off the top of the pumpkin, and clean out the seeds and stringy parts from the inside. (Keep the seeds, you can roast them later!)

     

  

   2.      This part is a bit tedious, but well worth it! Using a good knife, cut your pumpkin into strips. I like to cut it in half first, then work with the halves and cut them into strips.

3.      You now want to remove the rind. You can use a vegetable peeler if you like, but I find it easier to just cut it off with my knife.

  

    4.   Chop the strips into pieces.

5.      You may have to do this part in batches depending on the size of your pumpkin. Place the pumpkin pieces into a fry or sauté pan with a tiny bit of water. Cover and cook on medium heat until soft.

  

   6.      Once the pumpkin has cooked until soft, remove the excess water and place it into a food processor or blender. Puree the pumpkin until it is the consistency of apple sauce.

7.      You can freeze the puree for later use! I like to freeze in 1/4-1/2 cup increments that way I can just pull out what I need when I’m ready to use it.