To puree is to finely mash any food to a smooth consistency until no identifiable pieces or chunks are left. A puree can be thick or thin, depending on what’s being pureed. The best way to puree any food is in a food processor or blender. Just dump it in and run the machine until the solids are all pulverized—no need for pulsing or checking. We often puree soups and sauces to achieve a smooth, velvety texture. Purees of fruits and vegetables are also used to make salad dressings and to act as thickeners for sauces and stocks.