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Most pumpkin recipes this time of year lean sweet, but this pumpkin hummus keeps things savory instead, and it might just become your new favorite fall appetizer. Chickpeas, pumpkin puree, almond butter, garlic, and warm fall spices blend together in one bowl, with a little lemon juice for brightness and just a touch of maple syrup to round out the flavor. It comes together in about ten minutes with no baking or roasting required, which makes it an easy make ahead option for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any fall gathering. Serve it with pita chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables, and watch it disappear from the appetizer table.

Why this is the best Savory Pumpkin Hummus Recipe Without Tahini

It's quick and easy. This savory pumpkin hummus comes together in just a few minutes in a food processor or blender. There is no cooking required if you use canned pumpkin and canned chickpeas, making it an easy appetizer or snack when you need something fast.

You don't need tahini for this easy pumpkin hummus. Traditional hummus usually contains tahini, but this pumpkin hummus is creamy and flavorful without it. That makes the recipe especially convenient when you don't keep tahini in your pantry or want a hummus recipe without sesame.

Pumpkin hummus is creamy and full of savory fall flavor. Pumpkin puree gives the hummus an extra-smooth texture and mild earthy flavor without making it taste like pumpkin pie for an autumn twist that will surprise and delight your guests. The savory seasonings balance the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and give the dip plenty of flavor. Yum!

Pumpkin hummus is versatile. Serve savory pumpkin hummus with pita chips, crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables, or spread it on sandwiches and wraps. It's an easy fall appetizer for parties, Halloween gatherings, Thanksgiving dinner, or everyday snacking.

Pumpkin hummus is healthy. There is a tiny bit of maple syrup in this recipe to round out the flavors, but you could easily use a sugar substitute if you felt so inclined. Also, this is a vegan pumpkin hummus recipe that is creamy while being naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, and high in protein, fiber, and vitamins thanks to all those beans.

What you'll need to make the best Savory Pumpkin Hummus Recipe Without Tahini

Equipment

Citrus juicer - I love this little gadget because it makes quick work of lemons and limes, but if you don't have one, you can just your lemon with a fork. Go to YouTube and search for "how to juice a lemon with a fork." I've never done it, but I've heard it's pretty easy.
Food processor - You need a way to grind up all those chickpeas, and the food processor is it for me. You could probably also use a blender, but you'd have to add liquid which would make your hummus runny.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all measurements and nutritional information.

Ingredients

Chickpeas - drained and rinsed. I've seen homemade hummus recipes with beans other than chickpeas, but chickpeas are the traditional option. If you don't have any, use white beans like cannellini beans. Chickpeas are sometimes labeled garbanzo beans. They are the same thing. Also, you may want to save the aquafaba (that's the liquid from the chickpeas in the can) as you may end up wanting to use some of that later in the recipe.
Pumpkin puree - Make sure this is 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling which has a ton of spices added. It will make your hummus very weird. You can also use fresh pumpkin that you have pureed yourself, as long as it is not watery, or sweet potato puree.
Extra virgin olive oil - A drizzle improves the texture of the hummus and also bumps up the health factor considerably.
Almond butter - This is what we're using to replace the tahini. You need something to make the hummus rich and creamy.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice - You will be sad if you don't use fresh lemon juice. The stuff from the bottle just can't compete in terms of flavor.
Maple syrup - Just a drizzle to bring the flavors together. If you need to, you could use another sweetener like honey but just be super careful that you don't use too much.
Garlic clove - This should be peeled but doesn't need to be minced because the food processor will do that work for you. If you don't have a garlic peeler (it's a tiny rubber tube that you use to roll the garlic til the skin falls off), you can crush the clove with the flat side of your chef knife and remove the papery skin and toss the crushed clove into the food processor.
Salt - For flavor
Cumin - This is an earthy spice that reminds me of chili. It makes the hummus savory and delicious.
Cinnamon - Don't go overboard on this or your hummus will be sweet.

Toppings

pepitas - These are shelled pumpkin seeds that are often used as a garnish. They complement the hummus nicely.
whole chickpeas - They are edible of course, and they give a nice texture to the smooth hummus.
sesame seeds - A sprinkle makes the hummus look nice.
dried cranberries - For a hint of sweetness.

How to make easy Savory Pumpkin Hummus Without Tahini

Instructions

Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then add them to the bowl of the food processor. Add the remaining ingredients.
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Process for about 1 minute, then check to see if the mixture is smooth. If not, process for another 15-30 seconds, or until mostly smooth.
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Scoop into a serving bowl and enjoy the hummus with tortilla chips, apples, or fresh veggies!

Substitutions & variations

You can use canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree in this hummus. If you're using canned pumpkin, make sure you buy 100% pure pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.

If you don't have pumpkin, try an equal amount of pureed butternut squash or sweet potato. Either one will give the hummus a similarly creamy texture with a slightly different flavor.

For a thinner and creamier hummus, add a little extra olive oil or a small amount of the reserved liquid from the chickpeas and blend again until it reaches the consistency you prefer.

You can adjust the garlic and seasonings to suit your family. Add extra garlic for a stronger savory flavor, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes if you want your pumpkin hummus to have a little heat.

For a smoky variation, add smoked paprika. You can sprinkle the finished hummus with pumpkin seeds, roasted chickpeas, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Serve pumpkin hummus with pita bread, pita chips, crackers, pretzels, carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or other fresh vegetables. You can also use it as a spread for sandwiches, toast, or wraps.

Storing leftover Savory Pumpkin Hummus Without Tahini

Transfer leftover pumpkin hummus to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Give it a good stir before serving because a small amount of liquid may separate as it sits.

If the hummus becomes thicker in the refrigerator, stir in a teaspoon or two of olive oil, water, or reserved chickpea liquid until it reaches the consistency you want.

Pumpkin hummus can also be frozen. Spoon it into an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then stir it thoroughly before serving. If the texture isn't quite as creamy after freezing, blend or stir in a small amount of olive oil or water to smooth it out again.

FAQ

How long does this hummus last?

Pumpkin hummus lasts 4-5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Can I make this without the oil?

Yes! Make this oil free by using 2-4 tablespoons of the liquid from your chickpea can in place of the oil.

Isn't hummus supposed to have tahini in it?

Many hummus recipes do use tahini, but ours does not. If you'd prefer to use tahini, it's an easy 1:1 ratio swap with the almond butter.

Can I make this hummus sweet, rather than savory?

Absolutely! To make it sweet, omit the garlic and cumin, and add slightly more pure maple syrup, to your liking.

How will I know it's done processing?

You'll know it's done processing once it gets to a smooth consistency, or your preferred consistency for hummus.

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Why this is the best Savory Pumpkin Hummus Recipe Without Tahini