7-Layer Summer Vegetable Dip

Directions

1. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini and red pepper with the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper. In a grill pan or on a BBQ over medium-high heat, grill the vegetables for 2 minutes on each side. Chop them roughly, keeping them separate. Reserve a small handful of chopped red pepper for topping.
2. Scoop out the avocado flesh and mash it coarsely in a small bowl. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Reserve.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, ricotta cheese and hot sauce. Reserve.
4. Assemble the dip: Arrange the red peppers evenly in the bottom of a 25 cm (10") deep serving dish (preferably glass so the layers are visible). Spread the mashed avocado over them, using a spatula. Sprinkle with half the cheese, then layer on the zucchini and tomatoes. Spoon the spicy sour cream mixture evenly over the tomatoes, and follow with the black olives. Garnish with the reserved red pepper and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar. Serve with tortilla chips.

Tip

This 7-layer dip can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours. If you are short on time, use store-bought marinated grilled zucchini and red peppers. In summer, when fresh corn is readily available, add a layer to this dip or replace one of the layers with corn kernels.