MediterraneanEasy · Hot
A warm, smoky yogurt dip with roasted cumin undertones paired with golden roasted butternut squash sticks for a vibrant, healthy snack or starter.
15 min
30 min
45 min
Method
In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, grated garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir vigorously until all spices are evenly distributed throughout the yogurt.
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel the butternut squash, halve lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Cut into finger-width sticks, about 8cm long.
In a large bowl, toss squash sticks with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt until evenly coated.
Arrange sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the edges are caramelized and a fork slides in with little resistance. The tips should turn golden-brown.
Remove squash from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes.
Transfer squash sticks to a serving platter and serve alongside the chilled yogurt dip.
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -3
Calories
262
per serving
Protein
13g
Carbs
33g
Fat
11g
Sat. fat
11g
Fiber
10g
Sugar
13g
Sodium
660mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Low impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
0.5
per serving
Water
0.7m³
Land
20Pt
Runoff
0.06g P
Yogurt drives 62% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Techniques
Safety & Storage
Allergen Warning
Yogurt contains milk proteins. Clearly label the dip as containing dairy for guests with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Offer a dairy-free alternative if serving to sensitive populations.
Cross Contamination
Use separate cutting boards and bowls for raw butternut squash and the yogurt mixture. The recipe calls for tossing squash with spices in a bowl before preparing the dip in the same vessel—wash thoroughly between uses or use separate bowls.
Storage
Refrigerate the yogurt dip at or below 4°C (40°F) until serving. Store leftover roasted squash separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cooking Temperature
Roast butternut squash at 200°C (390°F) for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches at least 63°C (145°F) to ensure proper cooking through. Use a food thermometer to verify.
High Risk Population
This dish contains raw garlic in the yogurt dip. Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, young children, and elderly persons should be cautious with raw garlic. Consider lightly cooking the garlic for these populations.
Handling
Allow roasted squash to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent burns. The caramelized tips can retain heat and cause mouth burns if served immediately.
Shelf Life
The yogurt dip is best consumed within 24 hours when refrigerated. Do not leave the dip at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour in warm conditions) to prevent bacterial growth.
Pro Tips
Technique
When you fold the parsley into the yogurt, save a pinch to sprinkle on top just before serving—it keeps that fresh, bright green color and adds a burst of herbaceous aroma that transforms the entire dip.
Substitution
No smoked paprika on hand? A pinch of regular paprika with a whisper more cumin will still give you warmth, though you'll miss that beautiful smoky depth that makes this dip sing.
From the chef
Smoky paprika and toasted cumin woven into thick, creamy yogurt — this dip is proof that a few well-chosen spices do more than a long ingredient list ever could. A bright splash of lemon lifts it, garlic anchors it, and fresh parsley keeps it alive. The butternut squash sticks, roasted until their edges caramelize and a fork slides through with ease, are the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit. It feels like a celebration yet comes together on a quiet Tuesday evening.
Source: generated · June 13, 2026