Pumpkin Salsa

Put some pizazz in your next fall get together with this flavorful pumpkin salsa! Easy to make, easier to eat! 

Serves 8

Time to Finish: 30 minutes, unless you peel and blanche the pumpkin yourself like I did below 🥵

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cup blanched pumpkin pieces
• 1/5 chopped red onion
• 4 diced jalapeños
• 2 large roma tomatoes
• 3 tbsp fresh, chopped cilantro
• juice from 1-2 fresh squeezed limes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper

Directions: 

1. If you have pumpkin pieces that need to be blanched, flow the steps below:
• Lay the pumpkin pieces out on a paper towel
• Sprinkle with salt (don't worry about over salting)
• Add cold water and ice to a large bowl and set it to the side
• Boil a large pot of salted water 
• When the pot is at a rolling boil, add half of your pumpkin pieces
• Allow to boil for 3-4 minutes
• Transfer using a slotted spoon to the ice water and allow to cool from 2 minutes
• Repeat with remaining pumpkin pieces
• Skip below to learn how to peel a pie pumpkin!
2. When the pumpkin pieces are cooled, add them to another large bowl
3. Add all other ingredients to bowl and toss
4. Keep tasting and adding more lime juice, salt, pepper, or cilantro until it's perfect!
5. Serve cold with pita chips or tortillas, or use it as a topping for some tacos! 

Peeling a Pie Pumpkin

Are you feeling daring during spooky season? I double dog dare you to peel and blanche your own pie pumpkin! This is cheaper and prevents a lot of plastic waste, so it is worth the effort. Follow my steps below to learn how I survived the process!

• Queue up your favorite Netflix show and grab a cold beverage
• This is a PROCESS so be ready to take your time and relax while using sharp tools
• Using a paring knife, cut the stem top off the pumpkin like you would if you were carving it for Halloween
• Put the whole pumpkin in the microwave for 2 minutes
• Using a large sharp knife, and maybe the help of a friend, cut the pumpkin in half
• Scoop out the seeds and strings with a large metal spoon
• Using a medium knife, carefully peel the pumpkin but cutting away the tough outer layer
• Cut the now peeled pumpkin into 1/2 inch pieces

Extra Love:

• Blanche in batches so the boiling water doesn't drop too far in temperature
• For all my complaining about peeling a pumpkin, it really wasn't that bad but I was in a rush. Set yourself aside enough time to enjoy the process or enlist a few friends to help you! 

As always, cook with love (and patience!)