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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Charred Zucchini Dip with Tahini and Lemon

4 to 6 Servings

1½ hours

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This velvety dip, called “mutabel al koussa” in Arabic, is a relative of the better-known baba ghanoush that is made with eggplant. Many recipes use only the pulp left over from making stuffed zucchini and sauté it until soft enough to puree. But to bring deep, smoky flavor to the dip, we grill whole zucchini that’s been halved and salted over a live fire until fully tender and well charred, then we blitz it, blistered skins and all, with tahini, garlic, lemon juice and smoked paprika, until silky smooth. On the grill grate, the zucchini doesn’t occupy much space, so there’s plenty of room to cook other foods alongside if you’re up for multitasking on the grill. Alternatively, if you wish to use a broiler and do the charring indoors, see the instructions below. And if you’re serving a crowd, the recipe is easily doubled. Serve at room temperature with warm pita or crackers, or offer it as a side to kabobs or grilled vegetables, meat or seafood of any sort.

4 to 6

Servings

Tip

Don’t skip the step of salting the zucchini. This process draws out excess moisture, concentrating the zucchini’s mild flavor and gentle sweetness. Also, be sure to let the zucchini cool after grilling. It will release more moisture during this time, resulting in a dip with a thicker, lusher consistency.

1½ hours

Ingredients

  • 3

    medium zucchini (about 1½ pounds), stem ends trimmed, halved lengthwise

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

Directions

Reviews
Courtney G.
July 19, 2026
Go to dish
I've been making this for the past 2 summers and can't get enough of it. It's very easy but packs a big punch. The recipe is forgiving, so don't be afraid to make modifications like adding a little kashmiri chili for more punch instead of the sumac. I skip the oil as I like the chat of dry veggies more. Crowd pleaser, even if they don't like zucchini. It's great for those overlooked monsters that sneak up on you towards late summer.
Roberta B.
July 17, 2025
Delectable zucchini
Made this under the broil and it took on a lovely charred flavor. The tahini gave this a marvelous flavor and the dip was perfect with warm pita. Thank you!
Daniel L.
October 6, 2024
Smashing
Just delightful. Used greek yogurt instead of Tahini, but I can't wait to try with tahini too
Elridge S.
September 26, 2024
Eggplant sub
Amazing just as written! Thoughts on substituting the zucchini for eggplant? Do you think the texture would be similar?
Diana R.
August 18, 2024
Delicious
Made this today for a group. And everyone loved it. Will be making again

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