Pumpkin Hummus and Fig-olive Gremolata for Canadian Thanks Giving

Pumpkin Hummus
If you like a garlicky hummus, use two cloves of garlic. For milder flavor, blanch garlic cloves in simmering water for a few seconds. The Fig-Olive Gremolata is also delicious spooned over sautéed chicken breasts or pork chops. 

Pumpkin Hummus:

1 can (15-ounce) garbanzo beans, drained

1/2 cup of steam or roasted pumpkin ( canned plain pumpkin work as well)

1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 clove garlic, finely chopped (about 1 teaspoon)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Fig-Olive Gremolata:

1 cup dry California Figs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic, finely chopped (about 1 teaspoon)

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1/3 cup chopped, pitted Kalamata olives

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1/4 cup toasted nuts or pumpkin seeds

Homemade* or purchased pita chips 

1. In food processor bowl, combine beans, pumpkin, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, cumin and cayenne pepper. Whirl until smooth, stopping to scrape side of bowl once or twice. Taste and adjust seasonings. Adjust consistency if needed with additional olive oil or water. Scrape into bowl. Cover and chill for 1 hour or until serving time. 

2. To make Gremolata, remove stems from figs and discard. Halve each fig lengthwise; then cut each half crosswise into thin slices. Set aside. Swirl olive oil into medium skillet and place over medium heat. Add garlic and stir for a few seconds, until fragrant. Stir in figs, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for 2 minutes or until juice is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, olives and lemon zest. 

3. To serve, bring hummus to room temperature if made ahead. Spoon into serving bowl. Stir nuts into Gremolata and spoon over hummus. Serve with pita chips. Makes 2 1/2 cups hummus and 1 1/2 cups topping, 8 to 10 servings. 

*To make pita chips: Preheat oven to 375°. Warm 3 tablespoons olive oilwith 1 clove smashed garlic in small saucepan over medium heat, just until fragrant. Discard garlic. Split 2 (6-inch) whole wheat pitas in half lengthwise to make 4 rounds. Brush each on one side with garlic-oil. Cut each round into 8 wedges. Spread wedges on large baking sheet. Sprinkle with a pinch or two of salt, if desired. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until crisp. 

Enjoy