citrus hummus

The other night I came home from the gym and Manu was watching the last few minutes of the very important (though it seems that every game gets that label) Milan - Juventus soccer game. The winning team would go to the finals of the Coppa Italia, and though they finished in a tie, Juve would be the team to go. I stopped to watch because both team captains took their jerseys off (Hottie Mc Hot Hot) and exchanged them! Then they hugged and I saw one mouth to the other, “Talk to you later!”

I have to tell you that though I’m not really into sports, I’m obsessed with the idea that rival teams are friends in real life. During every match I look for signs of friendship or pats on the back and am secretly relieved when I see them. “See that! They’re friends!” I point out to the males in the room. “Of course they are,” is always the reply.

But that night Manu was surprised. Usually the captains exchange jerseys as a sign of respect, but never do they actually put them on. It was really touching, to tell you the truth, and went way beyond the typical post-game hand shake.

Just like that sweet soccer moment, a squeeze of orange juice adds that little extra unexpected something to hummus. 

Citrus Hummus

1 can pre-cooked chick peas 

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 lemon zested and squeezed

1 orange zested and squeezed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 clove garlic 

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until desired creaminess. 

I’m still trying to get my Italians on the hummus band wagon but they’re not really into it yet. Manu likes it but doesn’t love it - he reserves that verb only for chicken salad. Pardon me, “chee-cahn sah-lahd,” as he calls it. 

What’s your favorite hummus flavor? I’m usually of the lemon persuasion, but now I think I’m lemon-orange!