Perfect Christmas Side Dishes: Spicy Hummus with Roast Pumpkin

FEATURING MONJAY MEZZA’S HUMMOS WITH ROASTED CAPSICUM & JALAPENO

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Serves 6 as a side | Prep time: 15 mins | Cooking time: 45 mins

The Christmas extravaganza is upon us once more. This year, let’s make it easier on mum and dad or whoever’s doing the hosting, and bring along a Christmas side dish to help ease the load. To borrow a saying straight out of your parents’ toolbox, many hands make light work!

Our spicy hummus with roast pumpkin is one of those perfect Christmas side dishes that bring the comfort this time of year demands, with a little twist to keep things interesting.

For the creator, its simplicity and ease make it even more attractive, especially during a hectic time of the year. Beautifully smooth and smoky hummus already crafted by yours truly, to be accompanied by easy-as roast pumpkin (and a few other moreish ingredients).

Ingredients

1kg pumpkin, any variety
1 tub of Monjay’s Hummos with Roasted Capsicum & Jalapeno
Olive oil
10 thyme sprigs
A handful of picked parsley leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds
Juice of half a lemon

Method

Set oven to 200 degrees Celsius, and pour yourself a glass of bubbly. It’s Christmas.

Cut the pumpkin into wedges about 1.5 inches thick. Leave the skin on, but remove the seeds and fibres. Lay some baking paper on a shallow baking tray, place the pumpkin slices on it and rub with about a tablespoon of olive oil. Tuck the thyme sprigs around the pumpkin and season it all with a generous pinch of salt.

Roast for around 45 minutes, or until soft and browned. With ten minutes to go, sprinkle over the chopped parsley.

Spread the hummos along a serving platter large enough to fit all the pumpkin in a single layer. Now place the pieces of roast pumpkin on top, pushing them gently into the hummos. Finish with the pomegranate seeds and lemon juice.

Spread the joy and ease the load!

Christmas is a time for sharing, and what better way to spread the joy than by contributing a dish that embodies the spirit of the season? This recipe not only tantalises the taste buds but also invites a sense of togetherness, with its simple preparation that allows even the busiest of holiday hosts to partake in the joy of creating a culinary masterpiece.

Savour each bite and relish in the fact that you’ve not only brought a delightful dish to the Christmas dinner table but also lightened the load for those orchestrating the festive symphony. So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, let the Spicy Hummus with Roast Pumpkin be your culinary contribution to a memorable Christmas celebration. May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of shared meals with loved ones!

Variations to Spice It Up:

Mediterranean Twist: Elevate the Mediterranean flavours in this festive side dish by adding a handful of crumbled feta cheese over the roasted pumpkin just before serving. The creamy and tangy notes of feta harmonise perfectly with the smoky hummus, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes reminiscent of a sun-soaked Greek holiday.

Nutty Crunch: For an added crunch and a boost of nutritional value, sprinkle a generous handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds onto the hummus-covered platter. The nutty aroma combined with the creamy hummus and tender roast pumpkin will add a delightful contrast, turning this dish into a textural symphony that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.

Spiced Elegance: Infuse a touch of warmth and spice by incorporating a teaspoon of ground cumin or smoked paprika into the hummus. This subtle addition will complement the sweet caramelised notes of the roast pumpkin and add a layer of complexity to the overall flavour profile, making it a sophisticated and intriguing dish for those who appreciate a hint of spice.

Citrus Zest: Brighten up the dish by incorporating citrus zest into the hummus. A sprinkle of finely grated lemon or orange zest adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the hummus and enhances the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. This variation is a refreshing choice for those seeking a lighter and zestier take on the classic combination.

Feel free to mix and match these variations or let your creativity run wild to tailor this recipe to your taste preferences. After all, the joy of cooking lies in experimenting and making each dish uniquely yours!

Monjay Mezza is the home of traditional Middle Eastern Dips, Finger Food and Desserts.

Featured Product

Hummos with Roasted Capsicum & Jalapeno

Our new hummos is made from a blend of chick peas and sesame seed paste, with the rich flavours of roasted capsicum and Jalapeño mixed in to created a delightful, smoky flavour that will be impossible to resist.

Learn more about our Hummos with Roasted Capsicum & Jalapeno View our full Gourmet dips range