Hummus PERFECTION.

I have always been a lover of hummus since the first time I tried it, and it continues to be a major staple in my diet.  I've tried every brand I could get my hands on, but I was starting to get tired of even my favorite store-bought recipes.  And I was getting tired of paying the high price tag ($4-6 tubs didn't even last half a week)..how could chickpeas, oil, garlic, and spices be so expensive?  Turns out they're not!  You can make awesome hummus for cheap compared to what you buy at the store...those people are practically stealing your money with the 5000% markup.  Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but still!  I've been using a friend's recipe (who is a great cook, by the way), and I absolutely love it!!!

Perfect homemade hummus
2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 16oz can, drained) 
1 tbsp tahini
1/4 to 1/2 lemon, juiced 
1 to 2 cloves garlic (I like mine roasted or sauteed in a bit of oil)
1/2 tsp cumin
olive oil
water
salt to taste

I say a range in both lemon and garlic because it depends on how much you like them.  If you have the time, I recommend sauteing or roasting your garlic, it's definitely worth it!  Sometimes raw garlic can have an overwhelming tangy bite to it.

Put it all in your food processor and you're good to go!  To get the texture to your liking, add either water or olive oil (I alternate using both) until it reaches your desired consistency.  This process can take up to 10 min of processing and adding liquid, but it is worth it!  I would say you're going to have to add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of liquid before it's ready.  And don't forget to add the salt!

The result is perfect!  I put it on everything from veggies, sandwiches, crackers, and chips.  The main things to watch out for are too much garlic, too much lemon, and too much salt.  I've accidentally done all 3!  That's when you give it to your bachelor coworkers and tell them to take it or leave it (they always take it).

I say the key here is a good food processor.  I use a Black and Decker ~8 cup capacity model (best Christmas gift ever, I also use it to make nut butters!).  It is mid-range in the food processor spectrum, but it gets the job done perfectly.  I've tried this with my little 2 cup Handy Chopper, and the poor thing just doesn't quite cut it.  Enjoy!