Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree Recipe
Introduction
Making pumpkin puree from fresh pie pumpkins is easier and faster than you might think. Using an Instant Pot simplifies the process, delivering smooth, perfectly cooked pumpkin ready for your favorite recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 pie pumpkin
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the trivet into the Instant Pot and add one cup of water.
- Step 2: Cut the top off the pumpkin and remove the seeds and stringy pulp from inside.
- Step 3: Put the pumpkin on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealed position. Select the high pressure or manual cooking mode and set the timer for 20 minutes.
- Step 4: When the timer ends and the Instant Pot beeps, carefully release the pressure by turning the valve to the unsealed position.
- Step 5: Check doneness by inserting a fork into the pumpkin’s flesh; it should pierce easily to the skin. If not, cook under pressure for a few more minutes as some pumpkins may be tougher.
- Step 6: Remove the pumpkin from the pot, peel off the skin, and blend the flesh in a food processor until smooth. Your homemade pumpkin puree is now ready for pies, desserts, or chili recipes.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer a thicker puree, allow it to drain in a fine mesh sieve before blending.
- You can substitute sugar pumpkins or smaller pie pumpkins for easier handling.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the puree for extra warmth if using in desserts.
Storage
Store the pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use and stir well to restore smoothness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pumpkin for this recipe?
Pie pumpkins or sugar pumpkins are best because they have a sweeter, smoother flesh. Large carving pumpkins are less flavorful and watery.
Do I need to peel the pumpkin before cooking?
No, you cook the pumpkin whole (after removing seeds and pulp), then peel off the skin after cooking when it’s soft and easy to remove.
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Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 to 3 cups of pumpkin puree 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare fresh pumpkin for use in pies, desserts, chili, and more. Using the pressure cooking method, the pumpkin becomes tender and easy to blend into a smooth puree, making it a convenient homemade alternative to canned pumpkin.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 pie pumpkin (approximately 3–4 pounds)
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot: Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and pour in one cup of water to create steam for pressure cooking.
- Prep the pumpkin: Cut the top off the pie pumpkin and remove all seeds and pulp strings from the inside to ensure clean cooking.
- Pressure cook the pumpkin: Place the cleaned pumpkin on the trivet in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealed position. Select the high pressure or manual pressure cook setting and set the timer for 20 minutes.
- Release the pressure: Once the cooking cycle completes and the Instant Pot beeps, carefully turn the valve to the unsealed position to release the pressure.
- Check for doneness: Insert a fork into the pumpkin flesh from the inside; it should easily penetrate to the skin. If it feels firm, reseal and cook for a few more minutes until tender.
- Peel and puree: Remove the skin from the cooked pumpkin, then transfer the flesh to a food processor. Blend until smooth and ready to use in your favorite recipes.
Notes
- Pie pumpkins are smaller and sweeter than carving pumpkins, making them ideal for puree.
- Adjust cooking time if your pumpkin is larger or smaller than average.
- Homemade pumpkin puree can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for several months.
- If you don’t have a food processor, a blender or immersion blender can work to puree the pumpkin.
- Use the puree in pies, breads, soups, chili, and other recipes that call for pumpkin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Instant Pot pumpkin puree, pumpkin puree recipe, pressure cooked pumpkin, homemade pumpkin puree, pumpkin for pie, pumpkin for baking
