Turkish – Meze – theEatLand

Meze refers to a variety of small, flavorful dishes served as appetizers or accompaniments in Turkish cuisine, often enjoyed in a shared, communal style. Meze can be served as a starter before a main course or as part of a larger meal, and it’s commonly accompanied by raki (an anise-flavored Turkish alcoholic beverage) or other drinks.

Key Features of Meze:

Variety of Dishes:
- Meze includes a wide range of dishes, typically cold or room temperature, and sometimes hot. These can consist of salads, dips, vegetables, cheese, seafood, and grilled items.
- Some common ingredients include yogurt, eggplant, garlic, olive oil, herbs, spices, beans, and cheese.
Popular Meze Dishes:
- Hummus: A creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Haydari: A thick, garlicky yogurt dip with herbs, often made with dill or mint.
- Baba Ghanoush: A smoky dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Muhammara: A spicy and sweet red pepper and walnut dip.
- Cacık: A refreshing yogurt-based dip with cucumbers, garlic, and mint, similar to tzatziki.
- Şakşuka: Fried eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes cooked in a savory sauce.
- Dolma: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.
- Fried Calamari or Grilled Shrimp: Meze can also include seafood options like fried calamari or grilled shrimp.
- Pide: Small, open-faced flatbreads with various toppings, sometimes served as a meze dish.
- Ezme: A spicy tomato and pepper salad mixed with onions, parsley, and olive oil.
How It’s Served:
- Meze is traditionally served in small bowls or plates, and people help themselves to small portions of each dish.
- It is often enjoyed in a shared setting, where a variety of dishes are placed on the table, and everyone picks from them.
- It can be served as an appetizer, part of a main meal, or even as a light meal in itself.
Cultural Significance:
- Meze is central to Turkish dining culture. It’s often served in a relaxed, social environment, encouraging conversation and sharing.
- Meze is typically enjoyed with a drink, especially raki (an anise-flavored Turkish spirit), making it a key part of Turkish gatherings and festivals.
- It is also enjoyed in neighboring countries such as Greece, Lebanon, and Syria, where similar meze traditions exist.

Types of Meze:

Cold Mezes: Often served chilled, including dips like hummus, haydari, baba ghanoush, and salads.
Hot Mezes: These are served warm or at room temperature, such as fried vegetables, cheese fritters, or grilled meats.

Taste Profile:

Meze offers a wide range of flavors, from creamy and smooth (like hummus or haydari) to spicy and tangy (like muhammara or ezme). The flavors are often fresh, vibrant, and aromatic, thanks to the use of herbs, spices, and olive oil.

Summary:

Meze is a collection of small, flavorful dishes that serve as appetizers or accompaniments in Turkish cuisine. With a wide variety of options, from savory dips and salads to grilled items and seafood, meze is an integral part of Turkish dining, enjoyed for its rich flavors and communal style of sharing.