Authentic Mediterranean Meze Platter: A Feast of Small Dishes

Ingredients

  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 3 medium tomatoes
  • 1 large red bell pepper
  • 1 large yellow bell pepper
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 small red onion
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • 1 bunch fresh mint
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber
  • 200 grams feta cheese
  • 200 grams Kalamata olives
  • 200 grams pita bread

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Cut the eggplants, tomatoes, and bell peppers into small chunks. Peel and slice the onion and garlic.
  3. Place the cut vegetables on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
  4. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly charred.
  5. While the vegetables are roasting, chop the fresh parsley and mint, and combine them in a large bowl.
  6. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess water. Mix it with Greek yogurt in a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. When the vegetables are done, add them to the bowl with herbs. Squeeze the lemon over the vegetables and herbs, and mix well.
  8. Cut the feta cheese into small cubes and add it to the bowl. Add the Kalamata olives as well.
  9. Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a griddle pan.
  10. Arrange everything on a large platter: the roasted vegetable mixture, yogurt dip, and warm pita bread. Enjoy your homemade Meze!

Tools for making

  • Baking Tray - Used to roast the vegetables in the oven.
  • Large Bowl - Used to mix the roasted vegetables with herbs and other ingredients.
  • Grater - Used to grate the cucumber for the yogurt dip.
  • Knife - Used to cut the eggplants, tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and herbs.
  • Spoon - Used for mixing and tossing the vegetables and herbs.
  • Lemon Squeezer - Used to extract the juice from the lemon.
  • Cheese Knife - Used to cut the feta cheese into cubes.
  • Platter - Used to arrange and serve the Meze.

Recipe variations

  • Add roasted zucchini or mushrooms to the roasted vegetable mixture.
  • Replace the eggplants with roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
  • Add crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta cheese.
  • Include roasted garlic cloves for an extra flavor boost.
  • For a meat-free option, omit the feta cheese and add marinated artichoke hearts or grilled tofu.
  • Serve the Meze with different types of bread, such as naan or baguette slices.
  • Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or tahini sauce for additional depth of flavor.
  • Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a touch of spice.
  • Use fresh basil instead of parsley or mint for a different herbal note.
  • Include roasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for added crunch.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our homemade Meze recipe! This delightful dish is a traditional Mediterranean appetizer platter that's as flavorful as it is diverse. You can expect a range of tastes from our roasted vegetable mixture, including eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned with fresh parsley, mint, and a squeeze of lemon. A creamy, refreshing Greek yogurt and cucumber dip perfectly balances the rich, roasted flavors. We add cubes of feta cheese and Kalamata olives for a salty bite! Everything is served with warm pita bread, making this Meze a vibrant, delicious, and filling starter or snack. With our detailed steps, you'll be able to create this impressive spread with ease. Enjoy the process and the flavors of the Mediterranean right in your home!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of vegetables for this recipe? Yes, you can customize the recipe by using other vegetables of your choice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I grill the vegetables instead of roasting them? Absolutely! Grilling the vegetables will add a smoky flavor to the dish. Cook them on a hot grill until they are tender and slightly charred.
  3. Can I make the yogurt dip ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the yogurt dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2-3 days.
  4. Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with another type of yogurt? While Greek yogurt works best for this recipe due to its thick and creamy texture, you can use other types of yogurt as a substitute if needed.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by omitting the feta cheese and using a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the dip.
  6. Can I serve Meze as a main course? Meze is traditionally served as an appetizer or part of a larger spread of Mediterranean dishes. However, you can enjoy it as a light main course if you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking tray - Used to roast the vegetables in the oven.
  • Large bowl - Used to mix the roasted vegetables, herbs, feta cheese, and olives together.
  • Grater - Used to grate the cucumber for the yogurt dip.
  • Spoon - Used to mix the Greek yogurt and grated cucumber for the dip.
  • Knife - Used to cut the eggplants, tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and garlic.
  • Citrus squeezer - Used to squeeze the lemon over the roasted vegetables and herbs.
  • Platter - Used to arrange and serve the Meze.
  • Oven or griddle pan - Used to warm the pita bread.

Origin stories

Meze, the culinary delight that draws people together over a shared table, has roots sprawling across the Middle East, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. This collective feast of small dishes is not just about the food, but the art of conversation and community. It's an age-old practice that dates back to the times of Ancient Greece, where it was believed that pairing snacks with wine would lead to a more convivial atmosphere and ward off drunkenness. As the tradition evolved, it spread across the regions, each bringing its own flair to the table. Today, whether it's the lively meyhanes of Istanbul or the homely kitchens of Greece, meze continues to be an epitome of social and culinary tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.