Pumpkin week, day four: the savory one.
Yes! I did it! I made a savory recipe! We are all surprised. I am always surprised. It happens oh-so rarely that we truly must celebrate the occasion. Maybe with a little hummus?
Maybe even, my Spicy Pumpkin Hummus? Well, I think we must!
Especially because this entire post is about my spicy pumpkin hummus so you might as well hop on the train and get with the program already. Okay? Okay!
This hummus recipe is inspired by tershi, a tangy, spicy pumpkin dip I was introduced to while dining at Galit. If you are anywhere near the Chicagoland area and want to have your mind absolutely blown by deliciously spiced and utterly perfect Middle Eastern food, Galit is the place for you. My mom and I happened upon it during our weekly take-out dates in the city during May/June of quarantine. It was a way to get out of the house for a moment while also supporting local businesses that were/are still hurting. (Not like you needed a reminder, but support local biz! They still need your love!) Tershi was listed on the menu with a simple description of “spicy pumpkin dip” and I said, ~say no more~ and added it directly to the order. Still think that might have been my best decision of 2020. I ate, nay, INHALED that dip. I did not share. I have zero regrets about that. (sorry mom, love you though)
I knew immediately I needed to make my own take on it. Unfortunately, there is not very much information about tershi out on the inter-webs, so I had to do a little (a lot) of trial and error until I finally felt like I was hitting anywhere near the mark. And that is where the idea for this hummus came into play! It is tershi-inspired hummus. An homage to an icon, without attempting to be an exact replica. And gosh-dangit, it is really flippin’ tasty. And mad orange ya’ll. Look at that color! Look at it!
I really like hummus. My man-friend (sup Michael) and I make a new flavor of it each week to snack on. We have made some real winners, and some real duds, but this guy tops the charts. You can pick up on the spice from the harissa, sweetness from the honey & pumpkin, and savory from the chickpeas & tahini in every single bite. And don’t forget about the lemon! This dish comes together perfectly with the zip of fresh citrus. So good.
So, as I have said before and will repeat again, get to making people! I think you’re going to really enjoy this one. Promise!
Spicy Pumpkin Hummus
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1-15 oz can of chickpeas drained & rinsed
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 tsp cumin
- Pinch of paprika
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 3 tbsp harissa sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, add all of the above ingredients and blend until pureed. The key to smooth and fluffy hummus is letting it go in the food processor for a couple minutes. If the hummus is too thick/chunky after a couple minutes of processing, add 1 tbsp of water at a time to thin until desired consistency is reached.
- Taste-test the hummus and add in additional seasonings as necessary. Maybe a little more lemon, dash of salt, or kick up the spice more and add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flake. Blend again. Taste again.
- Spoon the completed hummus into a serving dish/bowl and finish with desired toppings. I recommend some roasted & salted pepita seeds, sesame seeds, a pinch of paprika, and maybe a drizzle of hummus to finish it off. Serve with carrots, peppers, pita chips, pretzels, and whatever else you enjoy dipping.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Enjoy!
This spicy pumpkin hummus is best paired with crispy pita chips, or warm pita slices, or just like, any form of pita. All pita is welcome and loved here. Throw in a couple bites of carrots and cucumber and I would go as far as to call that a well-rounded meal! Or snack! Either-or. She (the dip) is a versatile queen. We love that for her (the dip).
I hope this recipe finds you nose deep in pumpkin baked goods; about time you had a little savory in your life! Don’t forget to tag me on the ‘gram (@mads.eatz) if you make it. I would sure love to see it. Enjoy!
XOXO – Mads