Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a whole bulb of garlic by cutting off the top quarter to expose the cloves. Drizzle the exposed cloves lightly with olive oil, then wrap the bulb tightly in aluminum foil. Place it on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before using. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and set aside.
Blend the Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, add the cooked chickpeas, tahini, the roasted garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
Process Until Smooth: Secure the lid on the food processor and blend the mixture on high speed until it’s completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated. If the hummus is too thick for your liking, slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, and blend until you achieve your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Give the hummus a taste and adjust the flavors to your preference. You may want to add a bit more salt, an extra squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch more cumin for a stronger flavor.
Serve: Transfer the hummus to a beautiful serving bowl. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top and finish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with warm pita bread, vegetable sticks, or your favorite crackers.
Notes
Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve with pita or veggies.