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Kid-Friendly Spiced Pumpkin Hummus with Crunchy Pepitas

kid-friendly spiced pumpkin hummus with crunchy pepitas - featured image
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This creamy, slightly sweet, and smoky pumpkin hummus is topped with toasted pepitas for the perfect crunch. It’s a quick, easy, and kid-approved snack that comes together in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup tahini, well stirred
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water
  • ¼ cup raw unsalted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • Optional toppings: extra olive oil, smoked paprika, fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions

  1. Toast the pepitas: Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the raw pepitas in a single layer. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they start to pop and turn golden. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the chickpeas: Open the can of chickpeas and dump them into a fine-mesh strainer. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water for about 30 seconds. Shake off excess water.
  3. Blend the base: Add the rinsed chickpeas, pumpkin puree, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and salt to your food processor. Pulse a few times to break everything up, then process continuously for 30 seconds.
  4. Adjust the consistency: With the food processor running, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time through the feed tube. Process for another 30 to 60 seconds until the hummus is smooth and creamy. The texture should be thick but spreadable.
  5. Taste and adjust: Stop and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula. Taste the hummus and adjust seasoning as needed (more salt, lemon, or cumin).
  6. Final blend: Process for another 20 to 30 seconds until everything is fully incorporated and the texture is silky smooth. If too thick, add another tablespoon of water and blend again. If too thin, add a few more chickpeas or a tablespoon of tahini.
  7. Assemble and serve: Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a slight well in the center. Drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle the toasted pepitas on top, and add a dusting of smoked paprika. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Notes

For a smoother hummus, process for a full 60-90 seconds and add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time. Let the hummus rest for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin hummus, kid-friendly hummus, spiced pumpkin hummus, pepitas, easy hummus, fall appetizer, healthy snack

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/kid-friendly-spiced-pumpkin-hummus-with-crunchy-pepitas/