Pumpkin Hummus Recipe

Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Refined Sugar-free, Vegan

It is officially FALL and I couldn’t be more excited! I absolutely adore this season not only for the change in nature but for the all the wonderful root vegetables.

Chickpeas, also known as Garbanzo beans, belong to the legume family. These beans are a vegetarian-friendly source of protein with each cup (cooked) containing 15 grams. Chickpeas are a great source of dietary fibre with one cup (cooked) providing 12.5 grams. Needless to say, this dip is a winner in my life and will keep you full and satiated for hours! With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I felt compelled to include pumpkin into my recipes.

Pumpkin is not only seasonal but it is delicious! Although lately every time fall rolls around we are being bombarded with marketing and advertising for pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin-flavoured treats and even pumpkin beer! While most of these are filled with artificial pumpkin spice flavouring, pumpkins itself are one of the healthiest fall vegetables and in my eyes is fall’s superfood.

When deciding what to create for Thanksgiving I decided to create this appetizer dip. Why would I combine chickpeas and pumpkin you ask? Well we all know that turkey is rich in tryptophan, the amino acid that contributes to post-Thanksgiving dinner sleepiness. Pumpkin is also rich in tryptophan so although it makes us sleepy it also promotes better sleep and improves our overall mood.

Pumpkin is a root vegetable that screams fall and although I was a bit hesitant to add it to my favourite hummus dip, I am so grateful that I did! This hummus is packed with flavour and if you make it a day ahead and refrigerate it, the flavours come out even more. Pair this dip with pita, sweet potato or beet chips, veggies, etc.

Root vegetables, just like the name implies, is the root of the plant. When we consume these deep rooted vegetables, they make us feel physically and mentally grounded. These root vegetables have the strong grounding energy that many of us are missing.

That means pumpkin pies just won’t cut it! Try my simple pumpkin hummus dip as a healthier alternative to adding pumpkin into your diet.

Happy Fall indeed!

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz.) can Chickpeas
• ½ cup Pumpkin puree
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 Lemon
• 2 Tablespoons Tahini
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or high speed blender. Mix until smooth.
2. Pour hummus into a serving bowl and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top. Serve with pita, veggies or crackers.