Zucchini, Mint and Yogurt Spread

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4 Servings

We get a lot of recipe inspiration from restaurant dishes. One recent meal inspired not only a recipe, but a serving idea, as well. We tried a trio of dips at Chickpea, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Chicago, and the one that really got our attention was a zucchini, mint and yogurt spread called Koosa ma Laban. But we were also quite taken with all the wonderful colors in the restaurant’s decor and serving plates.

Ingredients

1 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise and cut into 1-inch half-moons
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or labneh
2 tablespoons mint, roughly chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper
Green olives for garnish (optional)
1 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise and cut into 1-inch half-moons
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or labneh
2 tablespoons mint, roughly chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper
Green olives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle zucchini slices with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning once, until both sides are nicely browned. Remove from heat.
Once zucchini have cooled to room temperature, place in a food processor. Add mint and lemon zest (reserving a bit of both for garnish), a pinch of salt, pepper and yogurt. Pulse until pureed.
Spread dip onto a serving plate, drizzle with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with reserved mint and lemon zest. Add olives if desired.
Serve with pita wedges or sliced vegetables.