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Smoky Zucchini Dip

by Ricki Heller 80 Comments

 

[Kim’s Buckwheat Crackerbread with my own Sweet Potato Spread]

When I found out that my friend Kim was creating a recipe calendar, I squealed with joy.  You may know Kim as my partner in crime  sunworship  hoarding colorful earrings  the SOS Kitchen Challenge, as we alternate choosing ingredients and writing the kickoff post each month (can you guess who wrote which ones?).  Kim also pens the creative, informative and often whimsical blog, Affairs of Living, where she is a vocal advocate for Lyme patients (she follows a specific diet as well, which is very much akin to my ACD), and she creates incredible, innovative, delicious recipes.

Ever since I got it, I’ve been cooking up A Year to Eat Freely recipes.  Here are a few of the dishes I’ve made.  Kim has graciously agreed to let me post the recipe for her Smoky Zucchini dip, too, so just skip on down to read it!

Mix and Match Raw Kale Salad

In my quest for more raw dishes this winter, I knew this salad would be tops on my list. Nothing could be easier than a collection of brightly colored raw veggies tossed in a light, tangy dressing that’s a snap to prepare.  The combination of raw kale and other veggies made a perfect light dinner paired with some grilled tofu.  And I’m so glad to have a delicious alternative to my standard raw kale salad!

Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

How could I resist a recipe for crisp chocolate chip cookies laced with oatmeal–and there’s even an accompanying recipe for homemade chocolate chips! (okay, I cheated a little and used unsweetened carob chips instead).  Normally I can’t eat chocolate chip cookies on the ACD, but there’s nothing in these babies that I’m not allowed.  Yay!

Smoky Zucchini Dip with Buckwheat Crackerbreads

I loved this bean-free alternative to hummus.  Although I ate the dip both with crackers and in some raw collard wraps, I wanted to make the crackerbread as well just because Kim had paired them together and I thought the flavors would be a great match.  And they were.  The dip is light and flavorful with a smoky undertone from the grilled zucchini.  Rather than bake  the flatbread as a single cracker that was later broken into pieces, I pre-cut the dough into small triangles that could serve either as crackers or chips for dipping (see photo at the top of this post).  We’ve enjoyed them with guacamole and chickpea-based hummus as well.

Smoky Zucchini Dip from A Year to Eat Freely by Kim Christensen (reprinted with permission)

This is an easy-to-make yet impressive looking dip that would be perfect at a party table.  We enjoyed it in collard wraps , spread on crackers and with carrot sticks. 

2 pounds zucchini (about 6 medium or 1 kg)

2 Tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, preferably organic

3 Tbsp (45 ml) sesame tahini

1-2 small, very fresh garlic cloves

1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) fine sea salt

1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin

1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) ground chipotle pepper

1/8 tsp (.5 ml) cayenne pepper

optional garnishes: olive oil, minced parsley or cilantro, a dash of spice

Turn oven to broiler setting. If you do not have a broiler, heat to highest possible heat. Lightly oil a large baking sheet, or line with aluminum foil [I used parchment paper]. Peel zucchini and slice in half lengthwise, then slice each piece in half lengthwise again.  Arrange on baking sheet, then drizzlew with olive oil. Place in broiler and broil 5-7 minutes. Remove, flip, and return to broiler. Broil an additional 4-6 minutes, until browned and softened, checking often to make sure they don’t burn. Remove from broiler and let cool 5-10 minutes.

Place zucchini in a food processor with remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl and cool completely. Garnish as desired and serve at room temperature with crackerbread and vegetables.  Can also be used in collard leaf or tortilla wraps, or as a dip for Sweet Potato Falafel (or any falafel). Refrigerate leftovers 3-4 days in a well-sealed container. NOTE: if you are intolerant to nightshades, omit chipotle and cayenne and use 1/4 tsp (1 ml) ground coriander instead. Garnish with salt-cured or oil-cured black olives and parsley for a Middle Eastern twist.

© Ricki Heller

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[Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you buy using these links, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission from the sale.]

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Filed Under: anti candida diet, appetizers, baking, breakfast, chocolate, condiments and sauces, cookbook, cookies, dessert, entrees, fruit, gluten free, grains, greens, nuts, raw, recipes, salads, seeds, side dishes, snacks, soups, Uncategorized, vegan, vegetables Tagged: anti candida diet, appetizer, baking, breakfast, calendar, chocolate, cookbook, cookies, dairy free, dessert, egg free, entree, food allergies, food sensitivities, fruit, gluten free, healthy, lyme, nuts, pareve, quick, raw, recipes, review, salad, savory, side dish, soup, sugar free, vegan, vegetables, vegetarian, wheat-free

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa Biddle says

    January 28, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    What a find ~ I’m excited to make the zucchini dip! I’m really have to look into Kim’s diet plan! I had Lyme’s disease last year along with a candida infection … took forever to clear up but it made me realize that I need to research more about what I should have been eating!! Thank you for your posts!

    Reply
    • Kim @ Affairs of Living says

      January 28, 2011 at 6:55 pm

      Hi Lisa! You should check out my blog, lots of recipes along with some information about Lyme Disease. Candida often goes hand-in-hand with Lyme, as our immune systems are compromised and those nasty yeasts can easily take over.

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        January 29, 2011 at 9:49 am

        Thank you! I definitely will!!

        Reply
  2. T. says

    January 28, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    Sounds good! Must try the zucchini dip – and I’m curious about the cookie recipe. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Pam says

    January 28, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    Those dishes look great! Wish I had a couple of those cookies right now! Yum! rawfood60@gmail.com

    Reply
  4. Nicole says

    January 28, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    I’m a big fan of Kim’s recipes, so I would love a copy of her calendar!

    I’m going straight home to make this dip. It looks and sounds delicious.

    Reply
  5. Josie says

    January 28, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    YUMM! Those cookies look soooooooo good and I’m bringing that dip to superbowl parties. Thanks!

    Reply
  6. AndreAnna (Life As A Plate) says

    January 28, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    That dip looks awesome!! I have issues with some legumes (white beans are not my friend) but thankfully not chickpeas. However, that looks awesome in and of itself!!!

    Reply
    • Kim @ Affairs of Living says

      January 28, 2011 at 6:54 pm

      AndreAnna, there are no beans at all in this recipe! The creaminess comes from pureed zucchini. I made the recipe this way so that legume-sensitive individuals could still enjoy a tasty “hummus” sort of dip. I think you’ll like it! xo

      Reply
  7. Megan @ MAID in Alaska says

    January 28, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    You and Kim are so creative!! Everything always looks so delicious!!

    Reply
  8. kaiainbalance says

    January 28, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Wow!! Those recipes look fantastic! In particular, the buckwheat crackerbreads look scrumptious…

    Reply
  9. Blaine says

    January 28, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    Everything looks divine!

    Reply
  10. Cara says

    January 28, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    Those recipes look delicious – thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  11. Amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler says

    January 28, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    Ooh! A recipe calendar would be an awesome way to get more inspiration in the kitchen!

    Reply
  12. Julie Bates says

    January 28, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    I would love to win a copy!!

    Reply
  13. Metta says

    January 28, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Love Kim’s recipes!

    Reply
  14. Courtney says

    January 28, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    I have been eying Kim’s calendar since she first released it–I would love to win a copy!

    Courtney

    Reply
  15. Alice says

    January 28, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    Love Kim’s recipes!
    choose me choose me choose me!!!

    Reply
  16. Sarah says

    January 28, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    Love both these blogs!

    Reply
  17. Jessica says

    January 28, 2011 at 5:19 pm

    I love Kim’s blog and her calender looks amazing! I would love to win a copy!: )

    Reply
  18. Elizabeth says

    January 28, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    The Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies look yummy.

    Reply
  19. kim christensen says

    January 28, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for such an awesome review, Ricki! I am so flattered, and your photos and write up are just beautiful. Obviously, I’m not entering the giveaway 🙂

    Good luck to everyone! xo Kim

    Reply
  20. Ashley says

    January 28, 2011 at 7:48 pm

    What an awesome calendar! Not only is it beautiful and absolutely adorable, but it’s so functional! The sweet potato falafels sound to-die-for!

    (ashleyso2030@gmail.com)

    Reply
  21. Haley says

    January 28, 2011 at 8:01 pm

    i love the front cover of the book! and the food looks delicious of course 🙂

    Reply
  22. Lisa (5shadesofgreen) says

    January 28, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    Oooooh, look at those cookies! I’d order the calendar for that recipe alone!!! If I don’t win, the etsy shop will get a visit from me! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Rachel says

    January 28, 2011 at 9:20 pm

    Sweet potato spread… yum! This looks like such a lovely cooking resource!

    Reply
  24. kate says

    January 28, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    this looks great!

    Reply
  25. Kris says

    January 28, 2011 at 11:49 pm

    Kim’s blog saved my life, I would be so honored to have a copy of her calendar in my kitchen to keep me inspired and on course with my treatment. Thank you.

    Reply
  26. Hayley says

    January 28, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    Those cookies look amazing! And the salad! And everything 🙂

    Reply
  27. Brandi B. says

    January 28, 2011 at 11:58 pm

    I’m new to this type of eating so I’d love to have some ideas:)

    Reply
  28. Hannah says

    January 29, 2011 at 12:03 am

    Phwoar! I’m on a bit of a dip-craze after making the Nacho Cheeze from Ani Phyo, and so this is going to be next on the agenda. Particularly as it’s summer here in Australia and so zucchini is abundant!

    Reply
  29. Shannon says

    January 29, 2011 at 12:18 am

    wow, so many enticing recipes in there 🙂 funny, now i’m craving cookies…

    Reply
  30. Becky says

    January 29, 2011 at 12:31 am

    The chocolate chip cookie looks heavenly. I would love to have the recipe.

    Reply
  31. Marty says

    January 29, 2011 at 4:12 am

    I love Kim’s website too, and if I don’t win the calendar I’ll be sure to order it immediately! I can’t wait to try the zucchini hummus!

    Reply
  32. Nicole says

    January 29, 2011 at 4:50 am

    The cookies look intriguing. It would be great to win the calendar.

    Reply
  33. Keda maru says

    January 29, 2011 at 5:08 am

    I don’t know if I can risk not being chosen, I’m heading over to kim’s easy shop now. Thank for alerting me to this opportunity.

    Reply
  34. Meghan says

    January 29, 2011 at 7:20 am

    Chocolate chip cookies sound like a dream come true at this point! I would love this collection of recipes!

    Reply
  35. Natalie says

    January 29, 2011 at 7:21 am

    Oh, I’m definitely making this dip! I love zucchini 🙂

    Reply
  36. janet says

    January 29, 2011 at 7:41 am

    Hummus without beans – no way! I am still learning how versatile zucchini can be, and can’t wait until the summer to try this out. 🙂

    Reply
  37. Shirley @ gfe says

    January 29, 2011 at 8:52 am

    Not entering the giveaway, but I wanted to add that this calendar is beautiful and such a great concept. Kim (Cook IT Allergy Free) found out how much I love calendars (currently have a dozen in our house and three at work–no kidding) and had this calendar waiting for me when I visited her last week. Now it’s sitting on my kitchen counter, looking gorgeous and ready for me to pluck out a monthly page/recipe any time I like. 🙂

    Good luck to all!
    Shirley

    Reply
  38. Brenda Alreck says

    January 29, 2011 at 12:35 pm

    Now I have another idea for all that zucchini that shows up in my garden! I wish I was picking now instead of looking at 4+ feet of snow…sigh.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  39. Jeri Strickland says

    January 29, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    Yum, yum, yum. I’m cowing this gluten free, dairy free and egg free diet. You guys make it look so easy.

    Reply
  40. Alisa Fleming says

    January 29, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    What a great calendar! I love that Kim’s recipes are so healthy too.

    Reply
  41. Marissa says

    January 29, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    This calendar sounds awesome–I really want to try that mix and match kale salad!

    Reply
  42. Kayci says

    January 29, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    that salad looks so good! i’d love to win the calendar!

    Reply
  43. Cherie says

    January 29, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    I’m so grateful for both you & Kim and how much you do to help those of us going through similar struggles. Of course with all of these great recipes to try, it no longer feels like a struggle, just a yummy adventure!!! You know how excited the lucky winner will be to win the calendar! Thanks!

    Reply
  44. Katrin says

    January 29, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    I’d love a copy as well! BTW – I made the cookie-dough truffles two days ago and they were delicious! I already bought the ingredients for another batch…

    Reply
  45. Gina says

    January 29, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    Wow those dishes look good. I want and hope to win this cookbook. Good luck to all who enter

    Reply
    • Gina says

      January 29, 2011 at 5:55 pm

      I know its not a cookbook but a calendar..but to me that is what it is.

      Reply
  46. Néidí says

    January 29, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    I would love the calendar

    Reply
  47. irene says

    January 30, 2011 at 12:32 am

    I love Kim’s creative recipes! This calender would be awesome 🙂

    Reply
  48. alain says

    January 30, 2011 at 1:51 am

    thanks for holding this giveaway and always spreading the word on such good resources! the kale salad looks absolutely DELISH!

    Reply
  49. Marsha A. says

    January 30, 2011 at 10:54 am

    I hope to win the calendar. I would love to have the Kale Salad recipe. I am going to make the dip that looks great.

    Reply
  50. GirlonRaw says

    January 30, 2011 at 5:22 pm

    Ricki, that salad looks so vibrant it’s ready to jump out of the screen. So wish we got kale here in Saudi 🙁

    Reply
  51. Heather Heather says

    January 30, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    I can’t wait to make that zucchini dip! I’ve been reading Kim’s blog for awhile and love her recipes!

    Reply
  52. Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says

    January 30, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    Buckwheat crackerbread sounds amazing!! I love all things buckwheat, and all things crunchy! This cookbook sounds BOMB:)

    Reply
  53. Mihl says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:14 am

    Kale salad in winter is best! It’s so hard to find fresh kale here and I usually have to buy a one kilo bag, so there’s lots of room for salad!
    Thank you for sharing the spread recipe. It sounds really tasty.

    Reply
  54. Melissa B. says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:07 am

    Oh, I love both of your blogs, and this calendar looks amazing!!!

    Reply
  55. Annie Joy says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:31 am

    Wow, this is awesome! I’m still looking for a calendar for my kitchen and would love this 🙂 The cookies, yes the cookies look amazing!

    Reply
  56. Suzanne says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:08 pm

    The dip looks so good!

    Reply
  57. Shellyfish says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:32 pm

    Bookmarking that dip recipe for this summer when we have zucchini coming out of the woodwork – sounds so lovely!

    Reply
  58. River (Wing-It Vegan) says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    How cool! The dip and the salad look deliciously fresh, but my sweet tooth is not letting me think about anything but the cookies! WANT!!

    Reply
  59. Sarah says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    Oh WOW!!! Those cookies and crackers look amazing – and yay for ACD recipes too!! I have some clients on that regimen and I know they’d love those.

    Reply
  60. Beershevaboheme6 says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    Mmmm Sweet potato dip? Stop making me jealous. I’ve got my eye on that cookie as well…just don’t tell my diet 😉

    Reply
  61. moonsword says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:22 am

    What a great idea…beautiful photos & yummy recipes all year! Thank you for the link to Kim’s site and for the giveaway!

    Reply
  62. Gina says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:37 am

    All of these recipes are mouthwatering! Great giveaway!

    Reply
  63. Michelle says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:20 am

    Wow! Looks like a great addition to the kitchen! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  64. Alex says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    The recipes sound really great!

    Reply
  65. JessBubbles says

    February 2, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    I haven’t had any sort of “chip” cookie in a year! Looks so yummy….

    Reply
  66. Laura @ SuperGlueMom says

    February 2, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    the recipes sound amazing! would love a copy of calendar! 🙂

    Reply
  67. Emma says

    February 2, 2011 at 7:15 pm

    Those cookies look great!

    Reply
  68. Holly S says

    February 2, 2011 at 8:29 pm

    Looks delicious – and perfect for my gluten-intolerant hubby!

    Reply
  69. Johanna says

    February 2, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    Zucchini Dip? Oh, that Kim!

    Reply
  70. Julia says

    February 2, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    That smoky zucchini dip looks divine! Yum-o! And you’ve reminded me to pick up some dinosaur kale so I can make some salad this weekend. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  71. Katie says

    February 2, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    I don’t know which I want more, the dip or the kale salad.

    Reply
  72. Sadie @allnaturalme says

    February 3, 2011 at 11:12 pm

    Thank you for all the inspiration!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Tweets that mention Diet, Dessert and Dogs » Review: A Year to Eat Freely by Kim Christensen -- Topsy.com says:
    January 28, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kim Christensen, Ricki Heller. Ricki Heller said: I was so impressed with this recipe calendar, and not just because she's my buddy! Giveaway of A Year to Eat Freely: http://su.pr/7Eeiuv […]

    Reply
  2. Zucchini | ReplenishPDX says:
    July 5, 2011 at 11:13 am

    […] The larger zucchinis are great for this purpose. Check out this chocolate zucchini bread. : : Zucchini Dip can nicely replace hummus in your wraps and spreads. : : Grilled squash is delicious. Slice the […]

    Reply
  3. Recipe for Healthy Gluten-Free Diet: Gluten-free Zucchini Fritters says:
    June 14, 2012 at 9:02 am

    […] Smoky Zucchini  Dip – from Diet, Dessert, and Dogs […]

    Reply
  4. Zucchini - FxNutrition says:
    March 1, 2018 at 6:51 am

    […] Zucchini Dip can nicely replace hummus in your wraps and spreads. […]

    Reply

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