Why Pumpkin Hummus Is Your New Fall Favorite
Discover creamy, spiced pumpkin hummus—a delicious twist perfect for fall snacking and entertaining this season. This vibrant and flavorful spread combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with traditional hummus ingredients, creating a uniquely comforting and nutritious dish that’s both seasonal and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for an easy snack, pumpkin hummus adds a warm, autumnal flair that’s bound to become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal flavor boost: Pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and cozy spice that perfectly matches fall vibes.
- Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with fiber and protein, this pumpkin hummus offers a healthy snack option.
- Versatile and easy: Great as a dip, spread, or sauce, it fits effortlessly into many meals and occasions.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples along with pumpkin puree, so it’s quick to whip up anytime.
- Beautiful presentation: The warm orange hue brightens up any snack platter or appetizer table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in pumpkin hummus plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. The combination keeps the dip smooth and flavorful, every bite bursting with just the right blend of spice and creaminess.
- Pumpkin puree: Provides natural sweetness and creamy texture, plus a vibrant orange color.
- Chickpeas: The classic base for hummus, offering heartiness and protein.
- Tahini: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and smooth consistency to the dip.
- Garlic: Gives a subtle sharpness and depth without overpowering the pumpkin’s sweetness.
- Lemon juice: Cuts through richness with bright acidity, balancing the flavors.
- Olive oil: Enhances smoothness and adds a fruity undertone.
- Warm spices: Cumin, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg bring cozy fall warmth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to perfect the overall taste.
Variations for Pumpkin Hummus
Feel free to make pumpkin hummus your own by experimenting with these easy variations—tailored to personal preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little heat that complements the pumpkin’s sweetness.
- Herbal twist: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an earthy, aromatic touch.
- Nut-free option: Replace tahini with sunflower seed butter to keep it creamy without nuts.
- Protein boost: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or silken tofu for extra creaminess and protein.
- Sweet and savory: Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for a delightful contrast of flavors.
How to Make Pumpkin Hummus
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Ingredients
Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly. Measure out pumpkin puree, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices, preparing everything for a smooth blend.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Combine chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse several times until the ingredients start to combine smoothly.
Step 3: Add Spices and Olive Oil
Sprinkle in cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour olive oil while blending to enhance creaminess and flavor balance.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Flavor
If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water or more lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to bring out the perfect pumpkin hummus flavor.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Transfer pumpkin hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish as desired. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Hummus
- Use fresh pumpkin puree: Homemade puree elevates flavor and avoids added sugars found in canned versions.
- Soak chickpeas overnight: If using dried, soaking and cooking chickpeas makes for creamier hummus.
- Peel chickpeas: For ultra-smooth texture, remove the skins by gently rubbing before blending.
- Warm your spices: Toast cumin and cinnamon lightly in a pan before adding for a more intense aroma.
- Serve at room temperature: Bring pumpkin hummus out about 20 minutes before serving to deepen flavors.
How to Serve Pumpkin Hummus
Garnishes
Top pumpkin hummus with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped fresh parsley, or a pinch of smoked paprika for visual appeal and extra flavor layers.
Side Dishes
Offer an array of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips, or serve alongside warm pita bread and crackers for dipping options that complement its creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling pumpkin hummus into bowls with a swirl of Greek yogurt or cream cheese, or layer it in a festive fall-themed appetizer tray with roasted nuts, olives, and cheeses for an eye-catching spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store pumpkin hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, ensuring it remains fresh and flavorful for later snacking or meals.
Freezing
Freeze pumpkin hummus in small portions using freezer-safe containers or bags; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Note that texture may slightly change but flavor stays intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently by bringing pumpkin hummus to room temperature or warming slightly in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency without overheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works well and saves time; just be sure it is 100% pure pumpkin without added sugars or spices for best results.
Is pumpkin hummus gluten-free?
Absolutely! Pumpkin hummus is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those avoiding gluten or following a gluten-free diet.
How long does pumpkin hummus last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, pumpkin hummus typically lasts 4 to 5 days refrigerated, maintaining its delicious taste and texture.
Can I make pumpkin hummus vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like chickpeas, pumpkin, and tahini, with no dairy or animal products involved.
What can I do if pumpkin hummus is too thick?
Add a splash of water, lemon juice, or olive oil while blending until you reach your preferred creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin hummus is a delightful fall-inspired twist that transforms a classic favorite into something new and exciting. Its vibrant color, warm spices, and creamy texture make it an irresistible snack or party dish all season long. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your go-to fall favorite in no time!
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Pumpkin Hummus
Creamy, spiced pumpkin hummus is a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional hummus, combining natural pumpkin sweetness with warm fall spices. This healthy, nutritious, and versatile dip is perfect for snacking, entertaining, or adding an autumnal flair to your appetizers.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (preferably fresh)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for spicy kick)
- Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary (for herbal twist)
- Sunflower seed butter (as nut-free tahini substitute)
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or silken tofu (for protein boost)
- Honey or maple syrup (for sweet and savory contrast)
Instructions
- Gather and Prepare Ingredients: Rinse and drain the chickpeas thoroughly. Measure out pumpkin puree, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices to prepare for blending.
- Blend the Base: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Pulse several times until the mixture starts to combine smoothly.
- Add Spices and Olive Oil: Sprinkle in cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in olive oil while blending to enhance the creaminess and flavor balance.
- Adjust Consistency and Flavor: If the hummus is too thick, add a splash of water or more lemon juice to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings to perfect the flavor.
- Serve or Store: Transfer the pumpkin hummus to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra olive oil, and garnish as desired. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for best flavor and to avoid added sugars present in canned versions.
- If using dried chickpeas, soak overnight and cook for a creamier texture.
- Peel chickpeas by rubbing to remove skins for ultra-smooth hummus.
- Lightly toast the cumin and cinnamon before adding for a more intense aroma.
- Serve pumpkin hummus at room temperature (about 20 minutes before serving) to enhance the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook (Blending)
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pumpkin hummus, fall dip, autumn appetizer, vegan dip, gluten-free snack