Ever since I was first introduced to the idea of blended chickpeas, my life has never been the same. I am absolutely in love with hummus and I cannot get enough of it! I love the smooth, creamy taste in my mouth. As well, knowing that it’s a healthy alternative to other dips like sodium-filled ranch dressing makes it that much more satisfying.
This particular hummus recipe was a game changer for me. In addition to the usual inclusion of chickpeas, it’s made with pumpkin. The popular Halloween decoration is useful for more than just being carved into a Jack O’ Lantern.
An “A” for pumpkin
Pumpkins are not just meant to be placed on your porch during the month of October or consumed in a pie at Thanksgiving dinner. This orange plant should be eaten regularly as it is packed with essential vitamins and other nutrients.
By consuming just one cup of pumpkin, you’re able to obtain the following:
- 100% of your daily dose of vitamin A
- 20% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C
- At least 10% of your daily needs for vitamin E riboflavin, potassium, copper and manganese
- 5% or more for thiamin, B-6, iron, magnesium and phosporus
What is it good for?
Because of its nutritional value, pumpkins provide you with an array of health benefits. Its vitamin A content alone contributes to your immune system, vision and skin health. The nutrient found in many lotions and creams has been proven to smooth rough areas of our skin, fade brown spots and reduce wrinkles. Vitamin A also plays an essential role in healthy bone growth and reproduction.
Many studies have been conducted on the consumption of pumpkins. Such studies have found that adding pumpkins to your diet can lower your risk of diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
As a rich source of beta-carotene – which your body converts to vitamin A – pumpkins are also powerful in protecting you against cancer.
The following hummus recipe is a great way to get some pumpkin in your system and reap its benefits. In addition, pumpkins have a natural sweetness to their taste, making this the perfect snack to satisfy all areas of your palate as well as your health.
This recipe is shared with permission from our friends at foodmatters.tv.
Pumpkin Hummus
This snack ticks all the nutritional boxes and it tastes delicious! Perfect as a mid-afternoon snack to help keep the energy levels up. The pumpkin gives it a little sweetness which even the fussiest eater will enjoy!
Prep time: 8 hours
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 200 gram (7 oz) chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 cup diced pumpkin (roasted)
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1/4 olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon grounded cumin
Instructions:
- Soak chickpeas overnight. Drain and cook with fresh water for 40-45 mins, until soft. Drain and cool.
- Roast pumpkin in moderate oven for 30 mins or until soft.
- Placed cooked chickpeas, roasted pumpkin and the rest of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add sea salt or more lemon juice to taste.
- Serve with veggie sticks or gluten-free crackers.
Enjoy!
