Meze | The ultimate greek summer experience.
Are you a fan of Greek food? Then you need to try meze! Meze, is a celebration of all things delicious and delightful. These small plates of happiness are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite alcoholic beverages, whether it's the strong embrace of ouzo, the playful raki, or the sophistication of wine. As you sip and savor, the meze experience truly comes alive. Meze can be anything from cheese and olives to grilled octopus and stuffed vine leaves. It can be hot or cold, spicy or mild, veggie or meaty.
But do you know the story behind meze and how it became such a big part of Greek culture and lifestyle? In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the history and tradition of meze, and show you how to make your own meze platter at home or enjoy it under the Greek sun.
The Origins of Meze
The word meze comes from the Persian word “maza”, which means “to taste or relish”. It was borrowed by the Turks as “mezze” and then by the Greeks as “meze”. The idea of meze is also found in other cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire, such as the Levant, the Balkans, and Iran.
The first mention of meze goes back to Homer’s Odyssey, where Odysseus’s crew celebrates their return home with goat cheese and bread. Imagine an ancient Greek Charcuterie board!
Meze evolved over time as a way of dealing with poverty, hunger, and war. In Greece, meze was originally a simple snack that was served at coffee houses or taverns to go with ouzo or raki, which are very strong alcoholic drinks. Meze helped to avoid getting drunk and also to fill up until the main meal was ready.
Meze also showed the regional diversity and seasonal availability of ingredients in Greece. Depending on where you were, you could find different types of meze made with local products such as cheese, olives, fish, meat, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and spices.
Meze also became a sign of hospitality and socializing. Sharing meze with friends and family was a way of connecting, enjoying life, and having fun. Meze was not meant to be eaten fast or alone, but slowly and together.
The Evolution of Meze
In the mid-1980s, meze changed from a humble snack to a fancy culinary experience. New kinds of eateries appeared in Greece: the “ouzeri” and the “mezedopoleio”. These places offered a wide range of meze dishes that could be shared among a group of people as a main meal. Meze became more creative and complex, mixing influences from different regions of Greece and other cuisines.
Today, meze is one of the most popular and unique features of Greek food culture. You can find meze everywhere in Greece: in traditional taverns and modern restaurants, in urban centers and rural villages, in seaside resorts and mountain retreats. You can also find meze in other countries where Greeks have moved or influenced.
Meze is not only tasty but also healthy. It is based on the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, fish, lean meats, dairy products, herbs, and spices. Meze is also low in calories and high in nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber.
How to Enjoy Meze
There are no strict rules on how to enjoy meze. You can have it as an appetizer before a main course or as a meal by itself. You can have it for lunch or dinner or even for breakfast if you feel adventurous. You can have it with alcoholic drinks or with water or juice. You can have it indoors or outdoors.
The only thing that matters is that you enjoy it with good company and good mood. Here are some tips on how to make your meze experience even better:
Choose a variety of dishes that complement each other in terms of flavors, colors, textures, and temperatures. Aim for a balance between hot and cold dishes
Start with lighter dishes such as salads, dips, cheese, and bread
Move on to heavier dishes such as meatballs, kebabs, stuffed vegetables, and seafood
Finish with something sweet such as baklava, loukoumades, or fruit
Use your fingers or a fork to pick up small bites from the shared plates. Don’t be shy to dip your bread in the sauces or juices
Drink moderately and responsibly. Ouzo, raki, and wine are the traditional drinks that go well with meze, but you can also have beer, soda, or water
Savor every bite and every sip. Don’t rush or overeat. Meze is meant to be enjoyed slowly and leisurely
Engage in lively conversation and laughter with your companions. Meze is not only about food but also about socializing and having fun
How to Make Meze at Home
If you want to make your own meze platter at home, you don’t need to be a master chef or have a lot of time or money. You can use simple ingredients that you can find at your local supermarket or farmer’s market, or even in your pantry or fridge. You can also use ready-made products such as canned or jarred foods, frozen foods, or deli foods.
Here are some ideas for easy and yummy meze dishes that you can make at home:
Tzatziki: This refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip is a classic Greek meze. Simply combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill or mint, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables.
Spanakopita: These delicious spinach and feta cheese triangles are a staple of Greek cuisine. Saute chopped spinach with garlic and mix it with crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and egg. Wrap the mixture in phyllo pastry sheets and bake until golden and crispy.
Dolmades: These stuffed grape leaves are a tasty meze option. Combine cooked rice with minced onion, garlic, fresh herbs like dill and mint, and lemon juice. Wrap the mixture in grape leaves and steam or bake until tender.
Grilled Halloumi: Halloumi cheese is a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine. Slice the halloumi cheese and grill it until it develops a crispy exterior. Serve it with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
Greek Meatballs: Make flavorful meatballs by combining ground meat (such as lamb or beef) with minced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and a blend of herbs and spices like oregano, parsley, and cumin. Shape the mixture into small balls and bake or pan-fry until cooked through.
Olive Tapenade: Create a savory olive spread by blending pitted olives, capers, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor. Spread it on toasted bread or use it as a dip for vegetables.
Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of cooked rice, chopped vegetables, herbs, and feta cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Greek Salad: A simple yet delicious meze option, Greek salad combines fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Toss the ingredients with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Baklava: End your meze feast with a sweet treat like baklava. Layer phyllo pastry sheets with a mixture of chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Bake until golden and crisp, then drizzle with honey syrup.
These are just a few examples of the countless meze dishes you can create at home. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process of preparing and sharing these delightful bites of Greek goodness.
So, whether you’re planning a gathering with friends or simply want to savor a taste of Greece in your own home, try making a meze platter and let the flavors transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Embrace the joy of sharing good food, good company, and the anticipation of summer adventures ahead.
Book with us today at eftopia and savor the anticipation of delightful meze-filled summer escapades. Opa!
