What exactly is pumpkin puree? (Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree Recipe)

Today, we're diving into the delightful world of pumpkin puree, an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes to add flavor, texture, and nutrition. With fall just around the corner, it's the perfect time to explore this delicious ingredient and learn how to make our own pumpkin puree using an Instant Pot!

But, first things first:

What exactly is pumpkin puree?

Simply put, pumpkin puree is cooked and mashed pumpkin flesh. It's made by roasting or steaming pumpkin pieces until they're soft and tender, then blending them to create a smooth, velvety puree.

It's important not to confuse pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced, making it suitable only for specific dessert recipes. On the other hand, Pumpkin puree is a blank canvas that can be transformed into sweet or savory dishes.

The beauty of pumpkin puree lies in its versatility. This ingredient can do everything from classic pumpkin pies and cakes to more creative endeavors like pumpkin hummus, risotto, and even mac and cheese.

It enhances the flavor and texture of your dishes and is packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, potassium, and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your culinary creations.

Now let's answer some of your popular questions!

What is pumpkin puree, and how can it be used?

Pumpkin puree is a smooth, creamy, and pumpkin-flavored food product made from cooked and blended pumpkins. It can be used in many different types of recipes for both sweet and savory dishes. Commonly used in pies, cakes, muffins, soups, sauces, casseroles, breads, and more.

Pumpkin puree is packed with vitamins A and C and iron and potassium – making it a great ingredient to include in your meals. The flavor of pumpkin puree is mild but slightly sweet; however, the sweetness can be enhanced by adding sugar or other sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup.

It can also be used to thicken up soups or gravies without using flour or butter. Pumpkin puree can also be used instead of pumpkin pie filling for baked goods, such as cakes and cupcakes.

Pumpkin puree can even be used as a substitute for oil in baking recipes. Simply mix the puree with an equal amount of melted butter or vegetable oil before adding it to your recipe.

You can try mixing pumpkin puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to give your baked goods more flavor without compromising nutrition. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using pumpkin puree!

How to make pumpkin puree taste good?

One way to make pumpkin puree taste good is to season it with savory spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. These can be added before or after the puree has been cooked. If you add them after cooking, a pinch of each should suffice.

You could also add some honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Additionally, some people like to add butter or cream for added richness. Finally, you could also mix in other ingredients like applesauce or yogurt, giving the puree more flavor and texture. Experiment with different combinations until you find one that's just right!

What is pumpkin puree good for?

Pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of recipes. It’s great for sweet dishes like cakes, pies, muffins, and bread. You can also use pumpkin puree as an alternative to mashed potatoes in savory dishes such as soups, stews, casseroles, and risotto.

Pumpkin puree adds flavor and texture to many dishes without adding extra fat or calories. Plus, it provides vitamins A and C along with other essential nutrients. Pumpkins are a wonderful source of dietary fiber, too – just one cup of cooked pumpkin contains up to 7 grams!

Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree

Now that we've covered the basics, let me share with you my personal recipe for making pumpkin puree using an Instant Pot. This method is quick, tasty, and simple, perfect for those who want homemade pumpkin puree without the fuss.

Type of Pumpkin to use:

It's best to use a sugar or pie pumpkin for this recipe. These pumpkins have thicker flesh and more intense flavor compared to other pumpkins like jack-o-lanterns. You can also use canned pumpkin puree as an alternative.

How to Make Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree

This pumpkin puree recipe is super easy to make, and if you use an airtight container, you can use it days later. Yes, you can even freeze it, but more about freezing your pumpkin puree later!

What is a pie pumpkin?

You will need a pumpkin pie pumpkin, and this pumpkin is a bit different than regular carving pumpkins. These pie pumpkins are also called sugar pumpkins and are smaller and generally found at your local grocery store by the produce section.

Also, pie pumpkin has a sweeter taste and is much better to cook.

Ingredients to make pumpkin puree using an Instant Pot

To make this latest Instant Pot recipe, you are going to need:

• A small pie pumpkin
• Water
• Instant Pot

How to Make Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, you will follow the steps below.

Let’s begin!

1. Add water to the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Place the pie pumpkin on a trivet.
2. Close the Instant Pot and turn the valve to seal. Press the manual button, high, for 13 minutes.
3. Natural releases.
4. Remove the pumpkin from the Instant Pot, and remember that it will be hot.
5. Peel the pumpkin skin.
6. Using a blender, puree the pumpkin to a smooth consistency.
7. Store the pumpkin puree in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. Use it within a couple of days or freeze.

Your Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree is complete!

How to Freeze Homemade Pumpkin Puree

You will need freezer bags or freezer-friendly containers to freeze Instant Pot pumpkin puree. Please know that pumpkin puree will expand when frozen.

One great tip for freezing pumpkin puree is to free them pre-measured. So if you only need one cup for whatever recipe you will use in the future, then freeze one cup of pumpkin puree in one bag or freezer-friendly container.

If you use a freezer-friendly bag, spread the puree thinly and lay it flat, and it will freeze quickly. This method of freezing will result in fast thawing too.

Also, pumpkin puree may be frozen for up to one year!

Now that you know how to make pumpkin puree using an Instant Pot, it is time to print the recipe with the exact measurements.