Archive
Basic Pumpkin (or Squash) Puree
All of the following techniques work for pumpkins and hard winter squashes. Please use care when cutting squash due to their hrad rinds.
Cutting Winter Squash: Winter squash have a hard skin and flesh (this includes acorn, buttercup, butternut, calabaza, delicate, Hubbard, spaghetti, sweet dumpling, Turban, and pumpkin). To cut winter squash in half, grasp the squash firmly and use a sharp knife to slice through to the center. Then flip and cut the other side until the squash falls open. A serrated knife may make this easier. Remove and discard the seeds. Hint: Place the whole winter squash in the microwave for 3 minutes; then cut it easily, remove seeds, add butter, etc, and put into hot oven to bake. (Perforate with knife before putting in microwave so it won't explode.)
Boil or Steam Winter Squash: Cut into quarters or rings, boil 25 minutes or until tender. Boil or mash winter squash just as you would potatoes. Add peeled squash cubes to your favorite soups, stews, beans, gratins and vegetable ragouts.
To Make Squash Puree: Cut winter squash (any type) in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Place squash, cut side down, in a shallow pan on aluminum foil or Silpat-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F. until squash is soft, approximately 45 to 60 minutes (depending on the size of your squash). Remove from oven and let cool. When cool, scoop out the cooked flesh/pulp (discarding the shell), place the pulp in a food processor or food mill and process until smooth. Measure out the amount you need for your recipe, and reserve any remaining pulp (either in the refrigerator or freezer) for other uses. If the puree will be used in baking (pie, cookies, bread, etc.) allow the puree to drain through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess water.
NOTE: This Squash Puree may be substituted in any recipe that calls for pumpkin puree. To Microwave Winter Squash: Place halves or quarters, cut side down, in a shallow dish; add 1/4 cup water. Cover tightly and microwave on HIGH 6 minutes per pound. Winter Squash may also be frozen raw. Simply peel, cut into chunks and freeze in a vacuum bag or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.