This Homemade Pumpkin puree is so easy to make and so much better than the store-bought one. Effortlessly cook moist, fork-tender pumpkin using your Instant Pot, no need to peel or cut the pumpkin.
Clean Pumpkin - Wash and dry the pumpkin. You can use one of the methods described below to make homemade pumpkin puree.
Cut The Pumpkin In Half (optional) – Depending upon the size of the pumpkin and the size of the Instant Pot, you may have to cut the pumpkin.
Step 2: Cook The Pumpkin
You can use Instant Pot, oven, microwave, or slow cooker for this recipe. Sharing all 4 methods below:
Method 1: Using Instant Pot
Add ½ cup of water into the inner pot and place a trivet.
Place the pumpkin on the trivet, stem side up. Close the lid, vent sealed.Note: For pumpkin halves, place the cut side up.
Turn ON MANUAL / PRESSURE COOK (high), for 20 minutes. Allow 10 minutes of natural pressure release.NOTE: For small to medium (around 2 ½ – 3 lbs.) pumpkin, cooking time is 20 minutes. For large (around 4 lbs.) pumpkin cooking time is 25-30 minutes.
Carefully remove the trivet. Transfer the pumpkin to a plate. Discard the stem, and cut the pumpkin in half. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and scoop out the pumpkin pulp.Note: Save the seeds for later use.
Method 2: How To Roast Pumpkin In An Oven
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Cut the stem off and place it cut side down on the cutting board. This helps secure the pumpkin from rolling over the board. Cut the pumpkin in half lengthwise.
Place the pumpkin on a baking sheet or dish, cut side up.
Roast the pumpkin for 55-60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Transfer the pumpkin to a plate. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and scoop out the pumpkin pulp.Note: Save the seeds for later use.
Method 3: Microwave The Pumpkin
On a microwave-safe plate, place the pumpkin halves, and cut side up. Add 3-4 tablespoons of water to the plate.
Cover the pumpkin with a microwave-safe dish.Note: I like to use this Microwave Splatter Cover, to cover the pumpkin.
Cook the pumpkin for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Carefully, remove the plate from the microwave. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and scoop out the pumpkin pulp.Note: Save the seeds for later use.
Method 4: Using Slow Cooker
Add ½ cup of water to the slow cooker.
Place the pumpkin halves, and cut side up.
Cook the pumpkin for 3 hours, or until fork-tender. Transfer the pumpkin to a plate. Using a spoon, remove the seeds and scoop out the pumpkin pulp.Note: Save the seeds for later use.
Step 3: Puree The Cooked Pumpkin
Place the pumpkin pulp into a food processor or a blender. Carefully blend it into a fine puree.