– 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed – ⅓ cup smooth tahini* – 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, more to taste – 1 garlic clove – ½ teaspoon sea salt – 5 tablespoons water, or as needed to blend – paprika, red pepper flakes, or parsley, for garnish – warm pita bread and/or veggies, for serving

– In a high-speed blender, place the chickpeas, tahini olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Use the blender baton to blend until very smooth, adding water as needed to blend, and/or to reach your desired consistency. – Transfer to a serving plate, top with desired garnishes and serve with warm pita and veggies, as desired.