I love Mediterranean food for its fresh delicious earthy flavors. It’s up there with Indian my first love and Mexican. When it’s just me and hubby at home we make a Mezza for dinner. Mezza/ Tapas are small appetizer plates popular all over the Middle East and Mediterranean region. It’s fairly simple to build a Mezza platter and can be served as an appetizer for a gathering or dinner for 2-4 people.
There are a few components to think about when building a Mezza platter, I’m going to run you through so it makes it easy to list the components.
- First start with a large wooden board or a large platter. If you don’t have one no worries place each component in a small bowl or a plate and arrange it neatly on a table. Both display beautifully. Mezza is about sampling and assorted ingredients and food, think tasty flavors and textures. You can always make two or more platters if you are having a larger gathering.
2) Vegetables! Mediterranean cuisines all about vegetables. Think in colors and seasons if possible. I like to include a few roast veggies and a few raw veggies. If you want to go one step further add marinated veggies too. I love roasted peppers, zucchini, onions, eggplant, asparagus make great roast veggies. Simply grill 2-3 varieties with olive oil salt and pepper. Choose a few raw vegetables; cucumber, colorful radishes, baby carrots, baby tomatoes are fabulous to nibble on.
3) Dips! These are the anchors of any good Mezza platter. Choose 2-3 that you like make them at home or buy them, just remember to choose a really good quality dip.I like to stick with Mediterranean style dips. Hummus, babaganoush, tatziki, labneh are excellent and popular for a reason. If you feel adventurous make hummus in other flavors like beet, sundried tomatoes. Here are some recipes if you’d like to try.
4. Pickled and Marinated! You can make these or make a trip to the olive bar at any good grocery store. Pick a selection of olives, marinated veggies like artichokes, mushrooms, sweet peppers, okra. They have really interesting products to select.
5. cheese, nuts and meats. We left out the meats and cheese to keep it plant based. Though I make vegan feta on this occasion I didn’t make cheese this time. If you want cheese use feta, grill up some halloumi, mizitra, marinated mozzarella balls are also pretty on a platter.
5. Fruits! Are a great addition and makes the platter look beautiful. I love beautiful figs, pomegranate, fresh oranges and grapes, use any fruit you like and is in season. Fruits act as a palate cleanser and neutralizer. Seasonal are best.
6. Salads! If I’m making a dinner platter I add a tabouli salad or a balala chickpea salad in the center of the platter. This is optional.
7) Lastly we need bread to mop up the dips right. Warm pita is always a good choice on your mezze platter, crostini and crackers work really well too.
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