A Guide to Turkish Mezes with Eggplant

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its diverse flavors and vibrant dishes, and one of the highlights is the meze platter. Mezes are small dishes served as appetizers, often enjoyed with bread or alongside main meals. Among the various meze options, eggplant stands out as a star ingredient, offering unique textures and flavors. This guide explores popular Turkish mezes made with eggplant, perfect for anyone looking to create an enticing meze platter.

1. Baba Ghanoush
Baba Ghanoush is a creamy and smoky dip made from roasted eggplants. The process involves charring the eggplants until the skin is blackened, allowing the flesh to become tender and infused with a rich flavor. After cooling, the flesh is blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Serve this velvety dip with warm pita bread or fresh veggies for a delightful starter.

2. İskender Kebab with Eggplant
This dish highlights the versatility of eggplant in a meze setting. İskender Kebab traditionally features thinly sliced döner meat served on a bed of pide (Turkish bread), topped with a generous serving of tomato sauce and melted butter. However, adding roasted or sautéed eggplants to the dish enhances its flavors. The silky eggplants balance the richness of the meat, creating a delicious combination.

3. Mücver (Eggplant Fritters)
Mücver, or eggplant fritters, are a fantastic way to enjoy eggplant as a meze. To prepare mücver, grated eggplant is mixed with flour, eggs, herbs, and spices before being shallow-fried until golden brown. These crispy bites offer a satisfying crunch and can be served with yogurt or a spicy sauce for dipping. They are a popular choice at gatherings and perfect for sharing.

4. Eggplant Kebab
Another excellent meze option is the eggplant kebab. This dish involves skewering marinated chunks of eggplant and grilling them to perfection. The marinade typically includes olive oil, garlic, and a mix of spices, allowing the eggplant to absorb the flavors while grilling. Once cooked, these flavorful kebabs can be served alongside a yogurt sauce, enhancing their taste even more.

5. Roasted Eggplant with Garlic and Yogurt
Roasted eggplant served with garlic yogurt is a simple yet flavorful Turkish meze. To make this dish, eggplants are roasted until soft and then topped with a mixture of Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and olive oil. This combination results in a dish that is creamy, tangy, and perfectly complements the smoky flavors of the eggplant. It is best enjoyed with fresh bread.

6. Eggplant Salad (Patlıcan Salatası)
This refreshing eggplant salad is a staple on many Turkish meze platters. Roasted or grilled eggplant is chopped and mixed with diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and parsley. The salad is typically dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, creating a light and zesty dish that balances well with richer mezes. It’s a great choice for adding a healthful touch to your platter.

7. Stuffed Eggplants (İmam Bayıldı)
İmam Bayıldı translates to "the imam fainted," a reference to the dish's rich flavors. This meze features eggplants that are halved, hollowed out, and filled with a mixture of sautéed onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. The stuffed eggplants are then simmered in olive oil until tender, making a flavorful and fulfilling addition to any meze spread.

In conclusion, Turkish mezes with eggplant offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures, perfect for entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal. From dips to salads and fritters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Create your own traditional meze platter and explore the delicious world of Turkish cuisine with these eggplant-focused dishes.