Pumpkin Hummus

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

Pumpkin Hummus is a delightful twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dip, bringing a touch of autumn warmth to your table. This recipe combines the creamy richness of chickpeas with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, making it a festive favorite for fall gatherings or a comforting snack any time of year.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.
  • Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
  • Healthy and packed with flavor.
  • Great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree.
  • Versatile serving options — goes well with both veggies and chips.

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup tahini
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp water (as needed)
Pita chips or fresh vegetables for serving

Ingredients Explained

Chickpeas are the foundation of any good hummus, providing a creamy texture and a protein boost. Pumpkin puree adds a unique seasonal twist, giving the hummus an earthy sweetness. The tahini is essential for that rich, nutty undertone that balances the flavors. Lemon juice brightens the dish with a bit of acidity, while garlic offers a punch of pungency. Ground cumin introduces a warm, earthy spice, and a touch of smoked paprika adds depth with its smoky notes. Ground cinnamon hints at warmth and sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the pumpkin. Finally, a drizzle of olive oil ensures smooth blending and adds a luscious finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice can sometimes taste a bit dull.
  • If you're short on time, canned pumpkin puree works wonders, but homemade puree can offer a fresher taste.
  • Adjust the spices to your liking. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • For an ultra-smooth hummus, peel the chickpeas before blending. It’s a bit more work but worth it for the texture.

Detailed Instructions

Start by draining and rinsing your can of chickpeas. This helps to reduce some of the saltiness and ensures a smoother hummus. Add the chickpeas to your food processor, along with the pumpkin puree, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Blend these ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times to ensure everything is well incorporated. With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil slowly. This helps to emulsify the hummus, making it extra smooth and creamy.

If the hummus seems too thick for your liking, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired texture. Transfer your pumpkin hummus to a serving bowl, and if you're feeling a bit fancy, drizzle a little more olive oil on top and sprinkle with some additional paprika for a pop of color.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend the ingredients until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully combined.
4. If the hummus is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
5. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with additional olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
6. Serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This pumpkin hummus pairs beautifully with crunchy pita chips or a platter of fresh, colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and cucumber slices. For a truly autumnal spread, serve alongside roasted butternut squash or sweet potato wedges. It’s also fantastic as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, adding a boost of flavor and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just roast or steam the pumpkin until tender, then puree it before using in the recipe.
How long does this hummus keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should last up to a week.
Can I freeze pumpkin hummus?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

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