ethereally smooth hummus

INGREDIENTS

• 1 3/4 cups cooked, drained chickpeas (from a 15-ounce can) or a little shy of 2/3 cup dried chickpeas (for same yield)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for dried chickpeas only)
• 1/2 cup tahini paste
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more to taste
• 2 small cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon table salt, or more to taste
• Approximately 1/4 cup water or reserved chickpea cooking water