Pumpkin Hummus

Pumpkin season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a unique twist on a classic favorite? This Caramelized Pumpkin Hummus is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it an irresistible dip for any occasion. By sautéing the pumpkin in olive oil, we bring out its natural sweetness, adding a rich depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the warmth of the garlic and spices. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just looking for a cozy snack, this hummus is absolutely addictive!

Tips For Making The Best Pumpkin Hummus

This recipe is fairly straightforward, but there are a few things that you can do to make it taste better!

• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a key component in this recipe, make sure to use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It is generally considered safe to cook food in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) at moderate to moderately high temperatures. However, EVOO has a lower smoke point compared to other oils, typically around 375°F (190°C). This means that it can start to smoke and break down at temperatures above this point, potentially affecting the flavor of your food and reducing some of the oil’s health benefits.

  I didn’t have an issue with flavor in this recipe, but if you want to use an oil with a higher smoke point, like avocado oil, you can!

• Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the pumpkin may take a little extra time, but I find that it really brings out the sweetness of the pumpkin, and it warms up the spices and makes the garlic less potent, deepening the overall flavor of the hummus.

• Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. A lot of people love cumin and even cinnamon in this recipe! Just start low (1/4 tsp) and increase from there after taste testing.

• Make it Ahead: This hummus can be made up to 3 days in advance if stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

• Use a Good Non-Stick Pan – It’s actually really important that you use a good nonstick pan when sauteeing the pumpkin or it could stick to the pan and give you a big mess.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is super versatile and can be made with a lot of variations. Here are a few that you might be interested in:

• Pumpkin Puree – I recommend using organic canned pumpkin for a better flavor. Feel free to sub out canned pumpkin for soft roasted pumpkin or butternut squash, just note that there will be some differences in texture and flavor.

• Spices – I used smoked paprika and coriander, but many people really enjoy the flavor of cumin in this recipe. If you want a warmer, more ‘fall’ taste, cinnamon would also be great! Only add a little at a time to avoid overpowering the hummus.

• Tahini – Tahini is a creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines and can be found at almost every grocery store. But if you don’t have any (I feel like I never have it when I need it), you can actually substitute it out for peanut butter! When you taste the two side by side you will realize that they actually have a lot of similarities. I actually have a Hummus Recipe Without Tahini, if you are interested.

How To Make Hummus With Pumpkin Puree

Instead of immediately tossing all of the ingredients into a food processor or blender, we saute the pumpkin puree in olive oil for a few minutes. Then we add the garlic and spices to bring out their flavors. THEN we toss it all into a food processor and blend it until smooth. Just 5 minutes extra for a boatload of more flavor!

What To Serve With Pumpkin Hummus

This pumpkin puree recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers and dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Warm Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita is the perfect vessel for scooping up this creamy hummus. Pita chips work great too!
• Fresh Veggies: Serve with crisp carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or celery for a light and healthy option.
• Crispy Crackers: Opt for whole-grain or seed-based crackers to complement the nutty notes in the hummus.
• Sourdough Bread: I love to serve toasted sourdough slices with hummus and mezze platters. Sourdough bread is good for you because it’s easier to digest compared to regular bread thanks to its natural fermentation process which breaks down gluten and increases the availability of nutrients.
• Apple Slices: For a sweet and savory combo, try dipping tart apple slices into the pumpkin hummus.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Pair the hummus with roasted sweet potato wedges for a hearty fall snack.
• Tortilla Chips: Add a crunchy element to the mix with your favorite tortilla chips.

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Did you make this healthy hummus recipe? It would mean so much to me if you would give it a star rating in the recipe card and tag me in your creation on Instagram so I can admire your work!