A Guide to Making Your Own Mezes from Turkish Recipes

Meze, a staple of Turkish cuisine, refers to a variety of small dishes served as appetizers or snacks. These flavorful bites are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed with friends and family. Making your own mezes at home allows you to experience authentic Turkish flavors while impressing your guests. In this guide, we'll explore some classic Turkish meze recipes that are simple to prepare and full of taste.

1. Hummus

Hummus is a creamy chickpea dip that is popular in many Middle Eastern cuisines. To make your own hummus, you will need:

  • 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Adjust the texture with water if needed, and drizzle with olive oil before serving. Serve with pita bread or fresh vegetables.

2. Baba Ghanoush

Baba ghanoush is a smoky eggplant dip that offers an amazing flavor profile. For this recipe, you'll need:

  • 1 large eggplant
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste

Start by roasting the eggplant until the skin is charred and the flesh is soft. Allow it to cool, then scoop out the flesh and blend it with tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Serve with pita bread or fresh veggies.

3. Spinach and Feta Börek

Börek is a savory pastry that can be filled with various ingredients. This spinach and feta version is simple yet delicious. You'll need:

  • 1 package of phyllo dough
  • 1 cup spinach (cooked and chopped)
  • 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 1 egg (beaten, for sealing and brushing)
  • Olive oil (for brushing)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the cooked spinach and feta cheese in a bowl. Lay out a few sheets of phyllo dough, brush with olive oil, and place a spoonful of the spinach-feta mixture at one end. Roll it up, sealing the edges with the beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

4. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma)

Dolmas are grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful rice and herb mixture. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 jar of grape leaves (rinsed)
  • 1 cup rice (washed)
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh herbs (such as dill and parsley, chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon (sliced)

In a saucepan, sauté the onion in olive oil until translucent. Add the rice and cook for a few minutes. Stir in herbs, salt, and pepper. To assemble, place a spoonful of the mixture on a grape leaf and roll it tightly. Place the filled leaves in a pot, layer with lemon slices, cover with water, and simmer for about 45 minutes.

5. Cacık

Cacık is a refreshing yogurt dip, perfect for hot days. For this cooling dish, you will need:

  • 2 cups Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber (grated)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and dill to taste

Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Cacık goes wonderfully with pita bread