To the bowl of a food processor, add beans, tahini if using, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Process until smooth or desired texture.
Adjust lemon juice to taste, or to thin the hummus. For a thicker hummus, add 1-2 Tablespoons additional tahini. Taste and adjust ingredients as desired.
Put in a bowl and garnish with additional olive oil and paprika, if desired, to serve.
Notes
Nutrition is calculated without optional ingredients.
Refrigerate leftover hummus for about 4 days in an airtight container. If using fresh, uncooked garlic store for no more than 3 days.
Hummus can be frozen in zippered bags or in ice cube trays for up to 6 weeks.