19 delicious meze recipes from around the world
Acılı Ezme is a vibrant and intensely flavorful Turkish meze (appetizer) or side dish. It's a finely chopped salad made from ripe tomatoes, crisp peppers, and pungent onion, bound together with spicy pepper paste and aromatic herbs. Traditionally served with grilled meats (kebabs) and warm bread, it offers a refreshing yet zesty contrast.
Tender grape leaves delicately wrapped around a flavorful mixture of herbed rice, toasted pine nuts, and sweet currants, all gently simmered and served with a bright lemon finish. A classic Mediterranean appetizer.
Koupepia are a traditional Cypriot meze dish consisting of grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of minced pork, rice, fresh herbs, and spices, slow-cooked in a tomato and lemon sauce. They are a staple in Cypriot cuisine, often served as part of a meze platter or as a main course.
A flavorful and iconic Turkish dish, Çiğ Köfte is made from fine bulgur wheat that is meticulously kneaded with a rich blend of tomato and pepper pastes, and a generous amount of spices. The long kneading process, traditionally done by hand, 'cooks' the bulgur, transforming it into a smooth, pliable, and deeply aromatic mixture. It's typically served as a meze or snack, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves and often accompanied by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Sheftalia are traditional Cypriot sausages, typically made from a mixture of minced pork and lamb, seasoned with herbs like parsley and mint, and often wrapped in caul fat before grilling or baking. They are a popular meze dish and street food.
Tender grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, slow-cooked to perfection. A staple of Cypriot meze.
A classic Greek summer dish where tender okra pods are gently braised in a rich, flavorful sauce of olive oil, tomatoes, and aromatics. This preparation method minimizes the okra's natural sliminess, resulting in a delicious and healthy vegetable side dish.
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these savory zucchini fritters are a popular meze item in Cyprus, flavored with fresh herbs and feta cheese.
Crispy fried dumplings with a savory meat filling, a popular Cypriot meze dish that offers a delightful contrast between its crunchy exterior and tender interior.
Ezme is a vibrant and refreshing Turkish meze, or appetizer, featuring finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, onions, and fresh herbs, all brought together with a zesty dressing. It's known for its bright flavors and a pleasant kick of spice, making it an essential accompaniment to grilled meats, kebabs, or simply enjoyed with warm flatbread.
Authentic Greek fried squid rings, known as Kalamarakia Tiganita, are a quintessential taverna dish. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and best enjoyed with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. A taste of the Greek seaside.
A classic Cretan meze, Ntakos features crunchy barley rusks (paximadia) topped with juicy grated tomatoes, creamy feta or mizithra cheese, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and fragrant oregano. It's a refreshing and simple dish perfect for a light meal or appetizer, especially during the summer months.
Crispy, golden-brown rolls made from layers of delicate phyllo dough, filled with a savory mixture of crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, then fried to perfection. These 'cigar' shaped böreks are a beloved staple for breakfast, as a meze (appetizer), or a snack.
A classic Greek garlic and potato purée, Skordalia is known for its potent garlic flavor and creamy texture. It's a versatile accompaniment, often served with fried fish, boiled or fried vegetables like beets, or as a dip.
A classic Greek yogurt and cucumber dip, essential for any meze platter. This thick, refreshing dip is packed with fresh cucumber, pungent garlic, and fragrant dill, all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil and a hint of lemon.
Deliciously crispy and savory Greek zucchini fritters, a popular Cretan specialty. These patties are packed with fresh zucchini, salty feta cheese, and aromatic herbs like mint and dill. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
A classic Greek appetizer, Saganaki features a thick slice of cheese pan-fried to a delightful golden-brown crisp on the outside, while remaining wonderfully gooey and melty within. Served with a bright squeeze of lemon, it's a simple yet impressive dish. Opa!
Tender grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, minced meat, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, then slow-cooked in a savory tomato-based broth. This dish is a beloved staple in Cypriot cuisine, often served as part of a meze spread or as a comforting main course.
Thick slices of halloumi cheese grilled to golden perfection, drizzled with fresh lemon juice and sprinkled with dried oregano. A simple yet iconic Cypriot appetizer.
