Fresh pumpkin!! Easy as can be!
I love cooking a pie pumpkin and then using the puree for pie or Pumpkin Muffins or whatever! Check out the Pumpkin Muffin Recipe!
It’s VERY easy. I promise. I think the hardest thing is cutting the stupid pumpkin in half! After that, you’re home free. Truly.
Wash the pumpkin. Cut it in half. I *highly* recommend a serrated knife. Be careful – these little pumpkins are hard to cut. Note – I cheated and pulled out the electric knife and it was STILL difficult!
Scoop out all the seeds Roasted Pumpkin Seeds and the slimy strings. I keep the seeds and wash them up and bake them – recipe on that soon!
I use a heavy duty ice cream scoop to pull out the seeds and slime. Works great.
Cut the stem off the pumpkin.
Place the pieces in a large microwaveable dish that has a cover. Don’t cut the pieces too small — it makes it difficult to scoop out the good stuff later.
I cut mine into 3 pieces total.
Put about an inch of water in the dish. Cover.
Microwave for 15 minutes on high.
Check to see if it’s ready by sticking a fork into the pulp. If it’s soft, you’re good to go!
I had to stick mine back in for 5 more minutes on high.
Let cool, pour off any excess water from the pumpkin pieces, then start scooping out the goodies. I used another ice cream scoop (one with the lever!) and the flesh looks delicious and smells even better.
I then let it cool completely and used an immersion blender to puree. However, you can just mash it up with a fork – comes out just as well.
I made Pumpkin Muffins – and baked the Pumpkin Seeds. Delish! And so healthy 🙂
Enjoy!