My friend from high school, Sarah, recently got in touch with me about her love for all things healthy. She has shared with me some of her favorite pumpkin recipes. These ones happen to be spicy! Adding spice to your food will make it more flavorful without adding extra calories, and some research suggests that spicy foods with capsaicin may help you eat less and may have other health benefits as well (ranging from an aid in arthritis to cancer prevention).
Spicy Pumpkin Hummus
Makes 3 Cups
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree or fresh cooked sugar pumpkin
1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, drained
3 tbsp. tahini (sesame paste- optional)
1 clove garlic
1/4 tsp cayenne or to taste
1 tsp cumin
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a food processor, process pumpkin and chickpeas until fairly smooth. Add remaining ingredients to food processor and process until smooth. Season to taste. Serve with pita chips or vegetables!Spiced Pepitas
Ingredients:
3 tbsp. olive oil
2 cups pumpkin seeds (raw)
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp chili powder
2 tbsp. kosher salt or sea salt
Directions:
Heat a cast iron pan on medium heat. Add oil and pumpkin seeds. Stir to taste, about 4 to 7 minutes. Add salt and spices and continue stirring about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool on a plate. Use as a snack on salads, or in hummus. Makes a great garnish to pumpkin soup.
Recipes courtesy New Seasons Market.
Did you know that pumpkin seeds are packed full with manganese, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc? Pumpkin seeds also contain healthy monounsaturated fats (heart healthy) and phytosterols which research shows may help lower cholesterol.
