(Note: this post was originally published on October 3, 2022. It has since been updated with additional photos and a few tweaks.)
I'm back with yet another seasonal hummus variation! This one is specifically designed for fall. While my Babagahummus is perfect for late summer and my Maple Sea Salt Hummus is ideal for the holidays, I felt like we needed one to bridge the gap. This pumpkin hummus incorporates everyone's favorite festive fall fruit for a sweet/savory/spicy vibe that's versatile and unique.
I've made this pumpkin hummus for years. It makes frequent appearances at our house for fall get-togethers and even for Thanksgiving, often alongside autumnal cocktails and other seasonally-inspired finger foods. Because this savory pumpkin dip is such a go-to for me, you'll see numerous versions of it in the photos below that I hope will provide lots of ideas and inspiration.
Do you enjoy pumpkin in savory recipes? Personally speaking, I think pumpkin is a superstar in savory dishes. I certainly enjoy pumpkin desserts and baked goods, but I think its sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to some salt and especially some spice. So while I have Pumpkin Pie Granola, Pumpkin Cookie Trifles, and even a No-Bake Ginger Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Pie here on the blog, I also have a black bean chili that uses pumpkin (instead of tomato) as the base.
Although pumpkin is certainly not a traditional hummus ingredient, I hope you'll give this unexpected and delicately spicy pumpkin hummus a try. The pumpkin is subtly sweet, but it's nicely balanced by nutty tahini, smokey paprika, generous salt, and fall herbs. I often make a spicy version (see details below), especially if I'm working with Mexican-inspired flavors in my menu. Pumpkin is a fabulous and versatile fall ingredient that can become so much more than just pie.
If you're a fan of the sweet/spicy combo, then I have a twist on this recipe that you're going to like. Many times when I make this savory pumpkin dip, I add in a few pinches cayenne pepper. I don't want it to be super-spicy, but rather I just want the hummus to have a very delicate heat in the background. It makes the flavor of the pumpkin really stand out. I also sometimes add a few pinches of chili powder if I'm working with other Mexican-inspired flavors in my meal.
So I leave the decision to you. If you'd rather keep things simple and just highlight the sweet/salty balance, then omit the chili powder and cayenne. But if you'd rather jazz things up a bit, add a few pinches of one or both. I suggest starting small; you can always taste the spicy pumpkin hummus and add more cayenne if you like.
As with all hummus recipes, tahini plays a starring role in this savory pumpkin dip. I'm a huge lover of Seeds of Collaboration tahini because it's rich, nutty, the tiniest bit sweet, and has absolutely no bitterness. Unlike most grocery store brands that are grainy or gloppy, this magical tahini has a creamy, velvety texture.
Seeds of Collaboration is a long-time supporter of The Rogue Brussel Sprout and is offering a 20% discount to Rogue Brussel Sprout followers using the code ROGUE at check-out. Please get yourself some of this liquid gold! It changed my tahini perspective entirely and I'm sure it will do the same for you.
Here's what you'll need for this spicy pumpkin hummus, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
How will YOU enjoy this pumpkin hummus? You can of course use it as a dip for veggies, crackers, or pita chips. But it's also great spread onto sandwiches, scooped onto salads, mixed into salad dressings to give them body, or even as a creamy pasta sauce. There's nothing hummus can't do!
Our favorite way to enjoy this hummus is on an October Friday evening with a bunch of snacks and some cocktails (see the photos above and below for inspiration!). It's especially wonderful paired with fall fruits and veggies, fig jam, and my homemade maple cider mustard, as shown on my epic spicy pumpkin hummus snack board above. I hope it makes some special fall appearances in your house too!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
No-Bake Ginger Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
Disclosure: Seeds of Collaboration is a long-term partner. I receive free product from Seeds of Collaboration and take a small commission on sales using the discount code. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep The Rogue Brussel Sprout running.
This seasonal hummus is bursting with sweet pumpkin, savory spices and herbs, and even a little bit of heat. It's the perfect appetizer for all your fall occasions.
For the Hummus
For Garnishing
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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