Savory Pumpkin Hummus is a great seasonal appetizer to serve while family gathers early to start Thanksgiving preparations. Knowing that the day ahead will consist of partaking in a celebration of incredibly flavorful foods that may not be the best to indulge in on a daily basis, offer a healthy appetizer to help balance out the day. Of course, one day out of the 365 days in the year won’t cause harm as long as it’s not your regular regime of eating habits. Enjoy the memories you will make with your loved ones being thankful for the moments you have shared and will continue to share throughout the upcoming years.
Most pumpkin dips I’ve seen are of the sweet variety. Hummus is a great source of plant-based protein. On Health.com, I found an article relating to health benefits of hummus and its ingredients. Take time to read it as it’s full of beneficial information. Incorporating pumpkin puree into the hummus was genius! Let’s just boost your veggie count for the day! The texture and taste wasn’t really altered much by its addition.
This recipe, courtesy of my great-niece Gwyneth who is a registered dietician and a great mommy, was featured in her recent presentation “Surviving the Holidays” Nutrition Workshop. Her sister, Meredith, was an official taste-tester during its preparation and suggested spicing it up a bit more. What’s presented below, is their final version, with the addition of a bit of garlic. During her workshop, Gwyneth offered some practical tips and strategies to help you keep your nutrition on point to help you maintain your goals during the holiday season.
The ingredients are simple. I’ve chosen to use smoked paprika instead of plain paprika just because I love how it infuse a hint of smokiness to a recipe; it’s an alternative I would recommend. The brand of canned chickpeas shown was highly recommended by America’s Test Kitchen.
If you want a really creamy hummus, it’s recommended to peel the skin off of the chickpeas after you have drained and rinsed them. Just gently rub them between your thumb and forefinger and it should slide right off. I believe the extra few minutes completing this process is well worth it for the desired final outcome.
Place the chickpeas in the blender with everything but the water. .Blend in the food processor for about two minutes. Scrape down the sides and add the water. Blend again for another minute or so until you have reached the consistency you desire.
Next, blend in the pumpkin puree. Unfortunately my food processor is on the small side. So truth be told, I had to whisk the pumpkin into the hummus base in a separate bowl to finalize it as I underestimated how much it would make. Spatial relationships probably aren’t my best strength. Since the pumpkin puree was already smooth, it wasn’t an issue. *Note to self: buy a larger capacity food processor.
To prepare this Savory Pumpkin Hummus for serving, I scooped about a cup into a small bowl, drizzled it with a little olive oil and sprinkled it with some more smoked paprika and some finely chopped cilantro. Store the rest in a sealed container and refrigerate until needed Have the chips and/or veggies ready for dipping! This is amazing! Try it as a wrap/sandwich spread instead of mayo. Way to sneak in more veggies, Gwyneth! With all the choices in your fridge when you have an urge for a quick snack, choose this!
Savory Pumpkin Hummus
Ingredients
- 2 15.5 oz. cans Chickpeas, drained, rinsed and skins removed
- 1 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
- 1/4 c freshly squeezed lemon juice- 2-3 lemons
- 1/4 c tahini
- 1 T cumin
- 1 T cinnamon
- 1 T paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 t sea salt
- 3 T extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 t garlic-pressed or finely minced
- 1-2 T cold water, if necessary
Instructions
- Drain the chickpeas Rinse thoroughly 2-3 times. Using your thumb and forefinger, peel off the their skin. This optional, but recommended step ensures a creamier texture when blended.
- Blend all ingredients, except for the water, in a food processor until smooth. Blend in chickpeas for 3-4 minutes until smooth consistency, scraping down the sides as needed. Add cold water to help smooth in out more to your liking, if needed.
- Adjust the taste to your preferences. This makes a large quantity, so split it into 2 serving dishes. Refrigerate it until serving time.
- Before serving, drizzle with a bit more olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika and maybe some pepitas or pine nuts. Some chopped cilantro or parsley may add a nice contrast of color as well.
This has to be the best hummus I have ever had! Very complex flavors. Nothing boring about it. Was very well received at Thanksgiving dinner.
Definitely will be making more.
‘Peeling’ the chick peas was easy and worth the limited effort.