How to Prepare Middle Eastern Mezze
Looking for an easy entertaining idea? Try mezze—the Middle Eastern tradition of serving a collection of small savory dishes. It's all about casually sharing good food with family and friends. Enjoy it as an appetizer or light meal—or add one or two of our recipes listed below to make it a full dinner. You can mix, match, and customize the ideas we've provided to fit your group. For four people, we recommend choosing two dips and three nibbles, plus pita bread and one of the listed recipes.
Ingredients
- Choose from the following:
- Dips[/b]
- Muhammara
- Baba ganoush
- Hummus
- Labneh
- Nibbles[/b]
- Dolmades
- Olives
- Tabbouleh
- Falafel
- Pita bread
- Herbs and Seasonings[/b]
- Sumac
- Za'atar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Cook any or all of the following recipes:
- Maqluba (Upside-Down Layered Rice)
- Tamarind-Glazed Eggplant
- Kofte (Turkish Meatballs)
Directions
- If you are preparing one or more of the suggested recipes, make them ahead of time to be ready for your mezze.
- Half an hour before serving, plate the dips and nibbles.
- Warm the pita bread and cut into wedges.
- Pour olive oil in a bowl and sprinkle with za'atar or sumac, as an accompaniment.
- Place everything on the table for your guests to enjoy.