Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 tbsp tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp water, as needed for texture
- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas under cold water. This removes excess sodium and helps with a smoother texture.
- Mince the garlic to help distribute its flavor evenly in the hummus.
- If using fresh lemon juice, squeeze half a lemon and remove any seeds.
2. Blend the Base
- In a food processor or blender, add chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend until the mixture starts coming together. It may be thick at first, so don’t worry!
3. Adjust the Texture
- While blending, slowly add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If you like a thicker hummus, use less water; for a smoother texture, add a bit more.
4. Taste and Adjust
- Once blended, taste your hummus. Add more salt, lemon juice, or olive oil as needed to balance the flavors.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and texture.
Notes
1. Make it Extra Creamy
For the smoothest hummus, try this trick: Peel the chickpeas! Rubbing them between paper towels removes the skins, making the hummus much silkier.
2. Balance the Flavors
Hummus is all about balance. If it tastes bland, add a little more salt or lemon juice. If it’s too thick, add a bit of olive oil or water.
3. Use a High-Quality Blender
If your blender struggles to mix the ingredients, stop and scrape down the sides before blending again. Adding a little extra water or olive oil will also help.
4. Customize Your Hummus
- Want a smoky depth? Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a milder, caramelized flavor.
- Like a touch of spice? Add chili powder or a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.
- Looking for a protein boost? Stir in shredded cooked chicken before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes