I just made my first (successful) batch and it’s ok, but it doesn’t really taste like store bought at all. And the goal is to get a similar end result since that can be used get other people into making their own instead of buying it since it’s marked up so much.
Hummus-making is a weekly ritual with the kids here. Very simple to make, but may take a few tries to get the right taste/consistency you’re looking for.
We make it in a food processor. I used to buy raw chick peas in bulk; still the cheapest and best way to go (around 1.50 a lb but can get cheaper in bulk at Middle Eastern or Indian grocery stores). Now I use three cans of Trader Joe’s garbanzo beans, washed in a colander to get off preservative gunk. Roast a head of garlic. Then it’s just, as others have said, fresh squeezed lemon juice, tahini, salt and pepper.
Garlicky and lemony is best. Also, sometimes we’ll make the batch with cumin. Other times with smoked paprika. Occasionally I’ll roast a red pepper in the broiler, scrape off the burnt parts, and that deep roasted flavor can be out of this world.
Make it a few times to see how you like it.. Even if it’s not great it’ll be edible. You’ll get the hang.
Would using minced instead of fresh garlic result in a noticeable difference in quality? I’ve been using minced and just converting that to 1/3 tablespoon per clove. So that might be the answer.
If you're talking about the stuff in the jar, it's missing the sharpest/most aromatic flavors of fresh garlic. That's just the price paid to make some foods shelf-stable, unfortunately.
The difference will be pretty noticeable, and since it's a blender recipe you don't even have to prep the stuff beyond peeling it.
When you say “minced” are you saying bought it from the store in a jar pre-cut?
I mean, personally I don’t mind chopping up fresh raw garlic and putting it in; in fact I like it. But it’s very pungent and you’ll really reek.
Best results are from roasting at least a half dozen cloves for three cans of beans. Roasting garlic makes it like a warm, mellow, buttery spread. Absolutely delicious, and can be used for plenty of other things (like making pesto).