Zucchini Baba Ganoush

This zucchini baba ganoush is smoky and delicious, and the best way to use your summer zucchini! If you grow your zucchini / courgette as I do, then you'll know you often end up with so many veggies in your yard. This baba ganoush is the perfect summer dip for BBQs and picnics to use them for!

Dips and spreads are so versatile, for summer gatherings and holiday celebrations with other plates. Love a healthy dip? Do have a peek at my beetroot hummus and whipped ricotta dip too and serve with breads or crudites for a tasty snack.

💭 What is zucchini baba ganoush?

Baba ganoush is a creamy and smooth dip using egg plant / aubergines, olive oil, seasonings, lemon juice and often tahini. It has a slightly smoky flavour and is perfect for dipping with crudites, breads or crackers.

As egg plant is considered to be higher histamine, I was inspired by a recipe in Ottolenghi's book Plenty More: Vibrant Vegetable Cooking to try a version using zucchini instead. It has a very similar texture, and takes up the flavour of herbs and spices so well.

My vegan zucchini baba ganoush recipe is completely different to that of Ottolenghi as he uses yoghurt, aged cheese and chilli flakes. The base of zucchini though sparked the idea for me to test out some other ways to make this dip. I really so suggest having fun in the kitchen to see if you can come up with your own versions of classic recipes!

🥘 Ingredients

This recipe focuses on zucchini as the main ingredient, and uses herbs, spices and tahini to make the dip. You will need:

• Zucchini: this is roasted to get that slightly smoky flavour and soften the zucchini.
• Tahini: adds a lovely sesame flavour, and thickens the dip.
• Garlic: use fresh garlic cloves, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
• Turmeric and sweet paprika: these give the slightly spicy and smoky flavour, and are both rated as low histamine. I like the Szeged sweet paprika.
• Parsley: use fresh, for a touch of herbs, and to top the dip too.
• Apple juice: used in place of lemon juice for a slightly sweet taste.

📖 Swaps and variations

Swap apple juice for lemon juice. If you don't follow a low histamine diet, then lemon juice can be used instead of apple juice for a more acidic taste.

Use regular or smoked paprika. You may also wish to use regular hot or smoked paprika rather than sweet (my low histamine readers will likely want to use sweet paprika). Adjust quantities to taste preference.

🔪 Step by step instructions

This zucchini baba ganoush is quite a simple recipe, with the only real time spent on roasting the zucchini and scooping out the flesh. The rest is a 'dump in the blender' and hit blend kind of deal!

STEP 1

Slice the zucchini lengthways and cut off the top and tail. Place on a baking tray and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for around 30 minutes until they are softened.

STEP 2

Use a teaspoon to scoop out the soft middle, leaving the skin aside. It doesn't matter if small bits of the skin are included, but you mainly want the soft middle.

STEP 3

Place the zucchini in a sieve and let the excess liquid run out. Discard the water. I know, the zucchini doesn't look pretty at this point but it will taste great I promise!

STEP 4

Add the zucchini to a blender along with your other ingredients of tahini, garlic, apple juice and herbs and spices. Blend to form your dip.

I use a Nutri-Bullet, but you can also use a food processor.

📋 Frequently asked questions

🍽 How to serve

Have a buffet-style dinner planned for hosting guests? Or for your evening meal for the holidays? This baba ganoush will work perfectly alongside other plates.

• Serve with my air fryer pita chips, crackers, breads or my chia and flax crackers for a gluten free option.
• Crudites such as carrot, celery and radishes are a healthy option!

🥣 More dips and spreads

Head over to my appetizers page to find fun recipes such as my vegan cauliflower hummus and my whipped ricotta and herb crostini. Some recent ideas to enjoy:

I’m always in the kitchen, so come join me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to be the first to hear of new recipes. And please do leave a star rating ⭐⭐⭐ if you've tried the recipe!