Peel eggplant & cut into thick slices. Sprinkle both sides heavily with salt, then let sit for 15-30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse salt off eggplant slices & pat dry, then place on foil-lined cookie sheet, brush with olive oil, & sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes. (For more information on salting & roasting eggplant, check out this post). Let cool slightly. (Or, if you don't want to include the eggplant, just skip this step!)
Place chickpeas in food processor. Add garlic, choice of herbs, salt, pepper, & lemon juice, then pulse until blended. (Just a few seconds.
Add roasted garlic and pulse again until blended, just a few seconds more.
While food processor is running, slowly add olive oil in a steady stream & mix until blended. Transfer to dish and let chill for 4 hours or overnight, until flavors are blended. Serve with pita or tortilla chips.