Delicious and Refreshing Cold Mezze Platter: Your Ultimate Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sumac
  • 1 cup chickpeas
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 cup hummus
  • 1 cup baba ganoush
  • 1 cup tabbouleh
  • Pita bread for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  2. Prick the eggplants with a fork and place them on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake the eggplants in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until soft. Allow them to cool, then peel and chop them.
  4. In a bowl, combine the chopped eggplants, garlic, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  5. In another bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, mint, and parsley together. Sprinkle with sumac.
  6. Arrange the chickpeas, feta cheese, olives, hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh on a large platter.
  7. Add the eggplant mixture and the Greek yogurt mixture to the platter.
  8. Serve the Cold Mezze platter with pita bread on the side.

Tools for making

  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the eggplants in the oven.
  • Fork - Used to prick the eggplants before baking.
  • Bowl - Used to mix the ingredients for the eggplant mixture and the Greek yogurt mixture.
  • Platter - Used to arrange and serve the Cold Mezze.
  • Pita bread - Served alongside the Cold Mezze for dipping and scooping.

Recipe variations

  • Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to the eggplant mixture for added flavor.
  • Replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt for a vegan or lactose-free version.
  • Add grilled chicken or lamb slices to make it a heartier dish.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices such as cumin, paprika, or coriander to customize the flavors.
  • Include other traditional Middle Eastern dips like muhammara or tzatziki.
  • Substitute the pita bread with gluten-free bread or crackers for a gluten-free option.
  • Incorporate different types of olives such as Kalamata or green olives.
  • Add a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning for an extra layer of Middle Eastern flavor.
  • Include marinated artichoke hearts or roasted garlic cloves for additional variety.
  • Create a spicy version by adding chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.

Recipe overview

This Cold Mezze recipe is a feast of Mediterranean flavors, perfect for sharing with friends or family on a warm summer evening. It features a mix of classic Middle Eastern dips like hummus and baba ganoush, refreshing salads like Greek yogurt with cucumber and tomatoes, and rich treats like feta cheese and olives. The different components come together to create a vibrant and varied platter that's sure to impress. This recipe is also incredibly flexible, so feel free to add or subtract dishes based on your personal preferences. You can serve this Cold Mezze as an appetizer or as a light main course, paired with warm pita bread. Enjoy the process of preparing this colorful and delicious platter, and even more, enjoy sharing it!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of eggplant?
    Yes, you can use other varieties of eggplant such as Japanese or Italian eggplants. Adjust the quantity accordingly.
  2. Can I substitute tahini with something else?
    If you don't have tahini, you can use creamy peanut butter as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
  3. Can I omit any of the ingredients?
    Certainly! You can customize the Cold Mezze platter to your liking by omitting any ingredients you don't prefer or have on hand.
  4. How long can I store the leftovers?
    The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that some ingredients may lose their freshness over time.
  5. Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
    Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it does not include any meat or animal-based products.
  6. Can I make the components of the Cold Mezze platter ahead of time?
    Absolutely! You can prepare the individual components such as hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh in advance and refrigerate them. Simply assemble the platter when you are ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix and combine ingredients.
  • Baking Sheet - Used to bake the eggplants in the oven.
  • Fork - To prick the eggplants before baking.
  • Platter - A large serving platter to arrange and present the Cold Mezze.
  • Serving Utensils - Various utensils such as spoons, tongs, or forks for serving the different components of the Cold Mezze.
  • Pita Bread Basket - A basket or container to hold and serve the pita bread.

Origin stories

The term 'Mezze' refers to an array of small dishes that are served to whet the appetite. This culinary tradition has its roots in the Ottoman Empire, with variations of it found across the Middle East, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. What makes a mezze spread fascinating is its diversity and the conviviality it encourages. It's not just about the food, but also about bringing people together, promoting conversation and camaraderie. The dishes are designed to engage the five senses, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and aromatic spices. Each dish tells a story of the region’s history and culture, with influences from countless civilizations that have passed through these crossroads of the world. While the contents of a mezze platter can vary greatly, they often include hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and tabbouleh, offering a delightful exploration of textures and flavors.

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.