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Instant Pot Pumpkin Recipe

Instant Pot Pumpkin Recipe

Making fresh pumpkin puree in your Instant Pot is super simple. You don't even need to worry about peeling or chopping the pumpkin beforehand! Pretty neat, right? So, if you're a fan of homemade goodies like pumpkin pie or cake, this is going to be your new favorite trick.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 3
Calories 175 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Pie Pumpkin or Sugar Pumpkin
  • 1/2-1 cup Water for making the puree
  • 1 cup Water for cooking

Instructions
 

  • Start by setting up your Instant Pot. If you've got a trivet, put it in and add some water. Then, just place your whole pumpkin on top. No need to chop it up or anything. Just make sure it fits nicely.
  • Seal up the Instant Pot and set it to MANUAL or pressure cook mode for 12 minutes. Once it's done, let the pressure release naturally. It'll take a little time, but it's worth the wait!
  • When the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, carefully move it to a big plate or tray. Now, slice it open and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Don't worry, it's not too messy.
  • Once the seeds are out, scoop out all that cooked pumpkin flesh from the skin. Pop it into a food processor or blender. If it's too thick, add some water to get that smooth texture you're looking for. The amount of water is totally up to you—just add a little at a time until it feels right.
  • Ta-da! Your homemade pumpkin puree is ready to use. You can use it right away in your recipes or pop it in the fridge or freezer for later. And guess what? It'll keep in the freezer for up to 6 months! So go ahead, stock up and enjoy pumpkin treats all year round.

Notes

  • Cooking Time Depends on Pumpkin Size: The cooking time can change depending on how big your pumpkin is. Mine filled up the 6-quart Instant Pot completely, and there wasn't even space for the trivet. Keep this in mind when deciding how long to cook it.
  • Checking for Doneness: Some pumpkins might be tougher and need more cooking time. After you release the pressure, poke the flesh with a fork to see if it's soft. If it's still hard, cook it for another five minutes.