How to Make Turkish Mezes with Simple Ingredients

Turkish mezes are an essential part of Turkish cuisine, providing a delightful way to explore a variety of flavors in small bites. These delicious appetizers can easily be prepared using simple ingredients found in most kitchens. In this article, we will share a few easy recipes to help you create your own delectable Turkish mezes.

1. Hummus

Hummus is a classic staple in Turkish mezes that is not only simple to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Here’s how you can prepare it:

  • Ingredients: 1 can of chickpeas, 2 tablespoons of tahini, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 garlic clove, juice of 1 lemon, salt, and cumin to taste.

Instructions:

  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
  2. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and cumin.
  3. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
  4. Serve with pita bread or vegetable sticks for dipping.

2. Eggplant Salad (Patlıcan Salatası)

Eggplant is another beloved ingredient in Turkish cuisine. This smoky eggplant salad is bursting with flavor:

  • Ingredients: 2 medium-sized eggplants, 2 tomatoes, 1 onion, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

  1. Roast the eggplants over an open flame or in the oven until charred and soft.
  2. Let them cool, then peel off the skin and chop the flesh.
  3. Chop the tomatoes and onion, then combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
  4. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3. Cacık (Yogurt and Cucumber Dip)

Cacık is a refreshing yogurt-based dip that pairs wonderfully with bread or grilled meats:

  • Ingredients: 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1 cucumber, 1 clove of garlic, fresh mint, and salt.

Instructions:

  1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water.
  2. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh mint, and salt to taste.
  3. Serve chilled as a dip or sauce.

4. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma)

Dolmas are vine leaves stuffed with a seasoned rice mixture, making them a perfect finger food:

  • Ingredients: 1 jar of grape leaves, 1 cup of rice, 1 onion, olive oil, lemon juice, pine nuts, dill, and salt.

Instructions:

  1. In a pan, sauté chopped onions in olive oil until translucent. Add rice, pine nuts, dill, and salt, and sauté for a few more minutes.
  2. Take a grape leaf, place a tablespoon of the rice mixture at the stem end, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
  3. Arrange the stuffed grape leaves in a pot, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and cover with water.
  4. Cook on low heat for about 40 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

5. Spiced Olives

These spiced olives are quick and easy to prepare and add a savory bite to your meze platter:

  • Ingredients: 1 cup mixed olives, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili flakes, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine olives, olive oil, chili flakes, and oregano.
  2. Toss well to coat the olives evenly with the spices.