How to Puree a Pumpkin

INGREDIENTS

1 medium sized (4 pound) sugar pumpkin

Yields 1 1/2 cups mashed pumpkin

DIRECTIONS

BAKING METHOD

1. Cut the pumpkin in half and discard the seeds and strings.
2. Place the two halves face down in a shallow baking dish and cover with foil.
3. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 1 1/2 hours for a medium sized pumpkin or until tender.
4. Once the pumpkin has cooled, scoop out the flesh and puree or mash.
5. For silky smooth custards or soups, press the pumpkin purée through a sieve.

BOILING METHOD

1. Cut the pumpkin in half, discard strings and seeds.
2. Peel the pumpkin and cut it into chunks.
3. Place in a saucepan and cover with water.
4. Bring to a boil and cook until the pumpkin chunks are tender.
5. Let the chunks cool, then purée the flesh with a potato masher.

MICROWAVE METHOD

1. Cut the pumpkin in half, discard strings and seeds.
2. Microwave on high power for seven minutes per pound, turning pieces every few minutes to promote even cooking. Process as above.

You can find an INSTANT POT METHOD at https://www.allrecipes.com/article/baking-with-pumpkin/. I didn’t include it because I don’t have one.