For an extra smooth hummus, consider passing the cooked chickpea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the tahini mixture. Adjust the amount of lemon juice and hot sauce to your preference. Garnish with a generous drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and visual appeal. The hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor improves after a few hours, allowing the ingredients to meld. If you don't have ground fennel seed, you can lightly crush whole fennel seeds with a mortar and pestle or in a spice grinder before adding them to the recipe.