If you have a food processor, you should not buy pre-packaged hummous. This wonderful, healthy paste is ridiculously easy to make, and you have total control over the seasoning and texture, which leads you to infinite variations on this simple theme.
You will need chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Canned, drained chickpeas are wonderful and any difference between them and dried ones, prepared by soaking for hours, is imperceptible here. The amounts are all to your discretion, but do go easy on the garlic. No single flavor should dominate.
Combine the chickpeas, tahini, and garlic in the food processor and blend. Add the oil and lemon juice gradually, until you approach the desired texture. Add salt to taste, and process until frosting-smooth. Serve drizzled with olive oil, paprika or any other spice or herb you desire.
