Creamy Zucchini & Garlic Yogurt Dip
Experience the delightful flavors of the Middle East with this Creamy Zucchini & Garlic Yogurt Dip, inspired by traditional recipes from Palestine and Jordan. This dish features roasted zucchini, which is mashed and combined with velvety tahini, tangy lemon juice, and aromatic garlic to create a luscious dip that is perfect for entertaining or a healthy snack. Serve it chilled as a delightful starter or a refreshing accompaniment to pita bread and fresh vegetables. This creamy dip is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutrients, making it a nutritious addition to any table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
zucchini
1 lb (baked, peeled, and mashed)
plain yogurt
1 cup (none)
fresh garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
tahini
1/2 cup (none)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Wash the zucchini thoroughly, then slice off the ends. Place the zucchini on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until soft and tender, about 20-25 minutes. Once cooled, peel and mash the zucchini.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed zucchini with plain yogurt, crushed garlic cloves, tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
4
Transfer the mixture to a serving platter, cover with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Before serving, garnish the dip with finely chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Zucchini & Garlic Yogurt Dip?
This dip is a luscious and healthy appetizer inspired by traditional Palestinian and Jordanian recipes, featuring roasted zucchini, tahini, and garlic.
What are the primary ingredients in this dip?
The main ingredients include zucchini, plain yogurt, fresh garlic cloves, tahini, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
How do I prepare the zucchini for this recipe?
Wash the zucchini and slice off the ends, then bake them whole at 400°F (200°C) until tender. Once cooled, peel and mash them.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the zucchini need to bake?
The zucchini should bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes until it is soft and tender.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Creamy Zucchini & Garlic Yogurt Dip is entirely vegetarian.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by replacing the plain yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
What is the role of tahini in this recipe?
Tahini adds a rich, nutty flavor and a velvety texture to the dip.
How much tahini is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of tahini.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 fresh garlic cloves, crushed, for this recipe.
Should the dip be served hot or cold?
This dip should be served chilled for the best flavor and refreshing experience.
How long should the dip chill in the refrigerator?
It is recommended to chill the dip for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld properly.
What are the best items to serve with this dip?
It pairs perfectly with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
What garnish is used for this dish?
Finely chopped fresh parsley is used as a garnish before serving.
How much zucchini is needed for one batch?
The recipe requires 1 lb of zucchini.
Is this dip healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious addition to any table as it is packed with nutrients from fresh zucchini and garlic.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of plain yogurt.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Combine the mashed zucchini with the yogurt, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl and blend well.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before baking?
No, you should bake the zucchini first and then peel it once it has cooled.
How much lemon juice is included?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
Can I store leftovers of this dip?
Yes, store any leftovers in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
How many ingredients are in the total recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this dip similar to tzatziki?
While it shares some similarities like yogurt and garlic, the use of roasted zucchini and tahini gives it a unique Middle Eastern profile.
What is the texture of the dip?
The dip has a creamy and luscious texture with bits of mashed zucchini.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, though bottled can be used in a pinch.
Does this dip contain any sugar?
According to the ingredient list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What if I don't have fresh parsley?
You can omit the garnish or use another fresh herb like mint or dill for a different flavor profile.
Is the garlic raw or cooked?
The garlic is used fresh and crushed, so it is mixed into the dip raw.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even more.
How do I mash the zucchini?
Once peeled, you can easily mash the tender roasted zucchini with a fork or a potato masher.