meze Recipes
13 delicious meze recipes from around the world
Bamies Latheres (Greek Okra in Olive Oil and Tomato)
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.
Dolmades (Greek Stuffed Grape Leaves)
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.
Kalamarakia Tiganita (Greek Fried Squid)
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.
Kolokythokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Fritters)
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.
Ntakos (Dakos)
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.
Saganaki
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!
Skordalia
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.
Tzatziki
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.
Ezme
Turkish spicy tomato salad - finely chopped tomatoes with peppers and herbs. Essential meze.
Acılı Ezme (Spicy Turkish Tomato and Pepper Dip)
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.
Çiğ Köfte (Turkish Bulgur Patties)
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.
Ezme (Spicy Turkish Tomato Salad)
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.
Sigara Böreği (Cigar Börek)
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.