In the bowl of a food processor add the chickpeas, tahini, basil leaves, zest and juice of the lemon, garlic powder, kosher salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Process until smooth.
With the food processor running, slowly add the olive oil. The hummus should be thick, smooth and creamy. Scrap down the hummus in the food processor if necessary.
Season to taste.
Put basil hummus in a serving bowl and garnish with a lemon wedge and basil leaf if desired. Serve with veggies, pita chips and bread sticks.
Notes
While you can't cook dried chickpeas, I find that a good canned version are perfect for the recipe.
Usually tahini settles with a more solids on the bottle and liquid on the top. Give it a vigorous stir to combine the two parts of the sesame paste.
To get the most juice out of the lemon, roll while pressing down on it on the counter or cutting board. This will break down the citrus and make it easier to juice.
I add the extra virgin olive oil as the last ingredient. I use it not only to add rich flavor to the basil hummus, I also use it to thin it out if it is too thick.