Pumpkin Hummus

(serves: 4-6)

Ingredients:

• 850 g ( 1.75 lbs)- Pumpkin, or butternut squash, peeled and cut into 5cm/2 in chunks
• 2 tablespoon – olive 0il
• 400 g ( 0.88 lbs) – chickpeas, (canned) drained
• 1 clove – of garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon – of cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon –  allspice (ground)
• 1/2- fresh red chili pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 1/2 tablespoon –  lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon – tahini
• 70 ml – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 teaspoon –  cayenne pepper, plus extra for sprinkling
• 2 tablespoons -Toasted pumpkin seeds, for garnish.

 Procedure:

• Preheat the oven to 400ºF or 200ºC
• Put the pumpkin chunks into a roasting tray with the olive oil, cumin, allspice, and chili, then season with salt and pepper.
• Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, turning and stirring regularly until softened and golden brown on the edges.
• Remove from the oven and reserve a few chunks for garnish.
• In a food processor, blitz the chickpeas for a couple of seconds then add the garlic and pumpkin chunks.
• Blitz again, then transfer the smooth purée to a large bowl.
• Add the rest of the hummus ingredients, except the garnishes, and mix well with a spatula, adding salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with the reserved pumpkin chunks, the pumpkin seeds, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkling of cayenne (if desired).

Tip: This is a perfect appetizer or healthy snack.  Typically hummus is served with pita bread, but your favorite type of cracker or bread will do just fine.  Hey, try it as a crudité dip too.

Just remember that we should be incorporating these orange barrels of fun into our diet this time of the year. There’s nothing like a Powerful  Punch of Pumpkin health benefits while they’re in season.