Step 1

Wash and dry the pumpkin. Place it on a cutting board with a damp dish towel underneath. (The towel prevents the board from slipping.) Using a serrated or paring knife, cut a large circle around the stem like you would a jack-o'-lantern lid. Discard the lid and scoop out the seeds.

Step 2

Set a wire rack in a 6-quart or larger electric pressure cooker. Add the water. Place the pumpkin cut-side up on the rack. (If the pumpkin is too large for the pot, cut it in half first.) Lock on the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to seal. Set the cook time for 15 minutes at HIGH pressure. (If the pumpkin seems especially hard, set it for 20 minutes.)

Step 3

When the cook time is up, let the pressure cooker naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure. Open the pressure cooker and check the texture of the pumpkin. The pumpkin flesh should be fork tender. If it's not, cook for 5 minutes more at high pressure, repeating the 5 minute natural release. Transfer the pumpkin to a cutting board until cool enough to handle.

Step 4

Fit a large fine-mesh strainer over a bowl, or line a regular colander with cheesecloth first. Cut the pumpkin in half. Remove any remaining seeds. Scrape the pumpkin flesh away from the skin and place in the strainer or colander. Using the back of a spoon, press on the pumpkin firmly to remove excess liquid. Set aside to drain for 1 hour.

Step 5

Transfer the drained pumpkin to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Measure into 16-ounce portions, about 2 cups each. If any pumpkin remains, use it in smoothies.