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Zucchini Baba Ganoush

A smoky, creamy dip made with broiled zucchini, tangy yogurt, and blue cheese, perfect for parties or cozy dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 lb zucchini Choose evenly sized zucchini for even cooking.
  • 1 large garlic clove, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/3 cup goat's milk yogurt Can substitute with feta or goat cheese.
  • 1/3 cup crumbled Roquefort or other blue cheese Use a good quality blue cheese for best flavor.
  • 1 large egg Helps to thicken the yogurt sauce.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts Toast last to keep warm and crunchy.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper or mild chile flakes
  • 1 teaspoon za'atar This Middle Eastern blend adds a herby flavor.
  • Warm pita or fresh vegetables, for serving Great for scooping the dip.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Set your broiler to high and position the oven rack a few inches below the heat source.
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easier.
Broiling
  1. Place the whole zucchini on the foil-lined baking sheet without slicing them.
  2. Broil the zucchini for 25 to 35 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are blistered and dark, and the insides feel tender.
Draining
  1. Move the cooked zucchini to a colander and let them cool slightly.
  2. Allow the zucchini to drain for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess liquid.
Mashing
  1. Transfer the drained zucchini to a bowl and add the crushed garlic and salt.
  2. Mash gently with a fork, keeping the texture rustic and slightly chunky.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the goat's milk yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, and egg over low heat.
  2. Stir constantly until the mixture is warm, creamy, and slightly thick without letting it boil.
Toasting Pine Nuts
  1. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat and add the pine nuts.
  2. Toast the pine nuts until golden and fragrant, watching closely to prevent burning.
Seasoning the Butter
  1. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and crushed red pepper.
Assembling the Dish
  1. Spread the mashed zucchini on a shallow serving plate and make a dip in the center.
  2. Spoon the warm yogurt and blue cheese sauce over the zucchini.
Finishing Touches
  1. Drizzle the toasted pine nuts and seasoned butter over the sauce.
  2. Sprinkle za'atar evenly across the surface before serving.
Serving
  1. Serve the dip warm or at room temperature with pita, flatbread, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

Choose evenly sized zucchini for consistent cooking. If the flavor is flat before serving, adjust seasoning with salt. This dish can be made ahead, just warm the sauce and toast the nuts before serving.