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Pumpkin Hummus Recipe | Healthy & Naturally Sweet

Pumpkin hummus

Pumpkin hummus is a creamy, savory dip that combines the earthy flavor of chickpeas with the sweet, autumnal notes of pumpkin puree, making it a perfect fall appetizer or snack. It's quick to prepare and pairs well with vegetables, pita bread, or crackers.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • Chickpeas: 1 14–15 oz can, drained and rinsed (approximately 1 cup cooked)
  • Pumpkin puree: 1 cup canned or homemade
  • Tahini: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Lemon juice: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 2–4 cloves minced
  • Olive oil: 1–3 tablespoons plus extra for garnish
  • Ground cumin: ½–1 teaspoon
  • Salt: ½–1 teaspoon or to taste
  • Optional spices: Smoked paprika chili powder, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, coriander, or sage
  • Optional sweetener: 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey for balance
  • Optional garnishes: Toasted pumpkin seeds pepitas, watercress, nigella seeds, paprika, whole sage leaves, pomegranate seeds, or chopped parsley

Equipment

  • Food processor or high-speed blender (essential for smooth texture)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board (if preparing fresh pumpkin)
  • Baking tray (if roasting fresh pumpkin)
  • Strainer (for separating chickpea liquid, or aquafaba)

Method
 

  1. If using fresh pumpkin, preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Place deseeded pumpkin wedges and garlic (wrapped in foil) on a lined baking tray. Roast for 30 minutes until tender. Cool, then scoop out flesh and blend into puree (yields about 1¼–1½ cups).
  2. In a food processor, combine drained chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, and any optional spices.
  3. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add water or reserved chickpea liquid (aquafaba) one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, lemon juice, or spices as needed.
  5. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, paprika, fresh herbs, or other preferred toppings.
  6. Serve at room temperature or chilled, ideally within 2 hours of preparation.

Notes

Safety Notes:
Ensure all utensils and surfaces are clean before use.
If using canned chickpeas, rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium and gas-causing compounds.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Substitutions:
Pumpkin puree: Use roasted butternut squash or blue-skinned pumpkin as alternatives.
Tahini: Substitute with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
Maple syrup: Replace with honey or omit for a fully savory version.
Fresh pumpkin: Can be roasted and blended if not using canned puree.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Pro Tips:
For extra creaminess, use the liquid from the chickpea can (aquafaba) to thin the hummus.
Let the hummus chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Use a high-powered food processor for the smoothest texture; avoid over-processing to prevent oil separation.
Garnish generously—pumpkin seeds and paprika add both flavor and visual appeal.