Pureed cancer foods

2.Pumpkin mashed/pureed and /or gravy

Pumpkin can usually be bought for a reasonable price so buy a whole one as it is always cheaper that way, cut as required , freeze the remainder to use later(couple of months or so) and try to buy Chicken stock in a couple of packets when it is on special/sale (works out cheaper) e.g.: 500ml, you can separate it into smaller containers freeze and use it in soups latter

Follow the below steps in cooking pumpkin. But add the pumpkin to the blender jug in smaller portions. You can use ¼ cup of Chicken or vegetable stock, butter and salt. The Stock will make your puree very smooth even a bit runny but very easy to swallow.

Ingredients.

•      ¼ x Medium pumpkin

•      ½ teaspoon cumin powder (Optional

•      1tbls x butter

•      30Ml x Milk

•      Salt & pepper (optional)

Hand mashing method

·         Firstly, wash and peel then cut the pumpkin into 2-3cm pieces, boil the pumpkin the pumpkin in salted water until soft (approx. 15-20minuts).

·         Drain off water and using the same saucepan add a pinch of salt, pepper if it will not burn your mouth as readers who have had radiation will understand, just leave it out. Also, the add a little more flavour Cumin, again that is optional. This will be a puree, not a mash and easier to swallow.

·         Add butter and milk and start mashing until smooth.

·         Spoon into a container and use as required, when back to room temperature close lid and refrigerate extra pumpkin.

I always suggest salt as your dietitian may suggest because you may be drinking larger quantities of water due to having a dry mouth after radiation treatment. Pepper is suggested, in small amounts, or not at all. Depending on your condition, I personally was very sensitive at first, but it got better.

Tip

You can add Chinese 5 spice for a little flavour. Pumpkin puree is not that good to freeze as it goes runny when defrosted almost like soup, Pumpkin soup is ok to freeze.

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