Squash Season

A whole new season of recipes is upon us here in Chicago and we can barely contain our excitement. And why should we!? The abundance of fall produce has sparked our creativity as we dream up hearty and festive ways to utilize the new ingredients. One of our ultimate fall favorites, squash. With so many varieties to choose from the recipe ideas are almost endless. We decided to start with something simple and familiar. A recipe that lends itself to your favorite squash variety. We used butternut for our hummus but know that the recipe would be just as great with acorn squash or pumpkin. We look forward to a fun filled fall with you!

Spicy Squash Hummus 
PREP TIME: 35-40 mins 
TOTAL TIME: 45 mins 
Servings: 4-6 

Ingredients
1 can organic chick peas
1 cup cooked squash (we used butternut squash)
1/4 cup tahini paste
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil + 1 tsp drizzled on top 
1 Tbsp sriracha sauce + 1 tsp drizzled on top
2 cloves garlic, chopped  
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut butternut squash in half, lengthwise then place on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes or until inside is soft. Scoop out the inside of the squash and place in a bowl to the side to cool to room temperature. Combine chick peas, 1 cup cooled squash, tahini, olive oil, sriracha, garlic, cumin, and salt in a blender and process on high until a smooth hummus is formed. Scoop out hummus into a bowl or platter and drizzle with additional olive oil and sriracha. Hummus can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge in an air tight container. Any left overs can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

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The squash addition makes this hummus SO creamy and provides a stunning pop of color. Though the flavor is mild and similar to traditional hummus, exactly why we decided to mix it up with a spicy ingredient. And don't forget about the extra nutrients (specifically vitamin A - more on that coming in another post this season) that you'll get by adding this simple, seasonal ingredient. 

Enjoy,
Jess and Cecelia

Yum