1. Baked zucchini chips
You will need:
1 zucchini (thinly sliced)
½tsp onion powder
½tsp garlic powder
½tsp paprika
¼tsp red pepper flakes
1tbsp virgin olive oil
How to make:
Preheat the oven to 300°F (148°C).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, red pepper flakes, onion powder, and paprika.
Put the zucchini slices on the tray and brush them with olive oil.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the zucchini slices and put the tray into the oven.
Bake the zucchini slices for about 90 minutes or until they turn crispy brown.
Serve hot with homemade salsa or guacamole. Enjoy the healthy appetizer!
2. Baba ghanoush
You will need:
1 aubergine (eggplant)
1 garlic clove
1tbsp tahini paste
1tbsp unsweetened Greek yogurt
1tbsp lime or lemon juice
½tsp sumac
Pine nuts (toasted), for garnish
Parsley leaves (chopped), for garnish
Salt and black pepper powder, to taste
Extra-virgin olive oil
How to make:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Line a baking sheet with olive oil and set it aside.
Meanwhile, remove the top of the eggplant and cut it into two halves, making slits on the outer skin.
Sprinkle salt over the eggplant halves, and let them sit for five to seven minutes.
Next, dab the eggplant dry using a clean, cotton cloth.
Place the eggplant halves, flesh down on the baking sheet and drizzle some olive oil over them.
Place the baking sheet into the oven and bake the eggplants for 30 to 40 minutes or until the eggplant halves soften.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and set it on the wire rack to cool.
Scoop out the flesh from both eggplant pieces and transfer to a colander. Let the flesh drain for about three minutes.
Put the flesh into the food processor and add yogurt, tahini paste, garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, and sumac. Blend well until you get a smooth paste.
Transfer the paste to a bowl and cover it with cling foil. Refrigerate for an hour.
Garnish with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley leaves before serving. Serve this delicious Lebanese appetizer with pita bread or thin breadsticks.
