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Roasted Zucchini Salad with Garlicky Yogurt Dressing

4 Comments | July 22, 2011 | Posted in Appetizers & Salads

I first tried this salad that originates in the Aegean regions of Turkiye at my dear friend Canan’s house many years ago. I was hooked. A subtle sweetness of roasted zucchini, good old plain yogurt infused with garlic, a drizzle of olive oil with a dash of paprika on top (or, if I am in a mood for aroma - a sprinkle of mint) - I am in love with this salad!

You can also call it a dip because it is somewhat smooth, with chunks of tender zucchini floating in a creamy dressing. There is nothing bad about it - it is super healthy and delicious. And comes together in no time. Modestly aside, I do get requests for the recipe whenever I take this salad to places. It is good with bread or with pita toasts. Enjoy!

Slice the zucchini (summer squash in these photos) and toss it with flour, salt and olive oil.

Roast it in the oven and mix with the yogurt dressing.

Roasted Zucchini Salad with Garlicky Yogurt Dressing

Serves about 8

Ingredients:

6-7 medium yellow zucchini (also known as summer squash) or 6 zucchini squash (the light-skin variety, not dark)
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
About 2 cups plain yogurt (adjust the amount to taste)
2 gloves garlic, peeled and crushed (adjust the amount to taste)
Salt, to taste

For the Top:
Olive oil and paprika or finely crushed dried mint

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Hummus

15 Comments | July 15, 2011 | Posted in Appetizers & Salads, Dips

Hummus, the Middle Eastern delight. I love it. Long before I found out hummus was super easy to make, I bought it from stores. Some were delicious, others we not. Then one day I decided to make my own hummus. My first hummus was ok, but not great. But I continued to make it over and over again, each time playing with the amounts of ingredients, adjusting them and writing down the changes I did, and having the family taste test it.

Then one day - bingo - my hummus turned out better than before and the tastes were just right. Try it. And please say goodbye to store-bought hummus. You can make it yourself and trust me, no store brand will beat your own brand! This is a fail proof recipe that will yield a smooth and creamy hummus, that can be prepared in no time and which only calls for a few ingredients to put together. Enjoy!