How to Serve Mezes with Traditional Turkish Bread

Mezes, or small dishes, are a cornerstone of Turkish cuisine, often enjoyed as appetizers before a main meal. Serving mezes with traditional Turkish bread elevates the dining experience, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Here’s how to serve mezes with authentic Turkish bread to impress your guests and enjoy a true taste of Turkey.

Choosing the Right Mezes

To start, it’s essential to select a variety of mezes that complement each other. Popular mezes include:

  • Hummus: A creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil.
  • Eggplant Salad (Baba Ghanoush): Smoky roasted eggplant mixed with tahini and garlic.
  • Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma): Grape leaves filled with rice, pine nuts, and spices.
  • Olives: A mix of green and black olives marinated in olive oil and herbs.
  • Cheese Plate: Varieties such as beyaz peynir (white cheese) or kasar cheese.

Preparing Traditional Turkish Bread

No meze platter is complete without a selection of traditional Turkish bread, such as pide or lavash. Here’s how to prepare each type:

Making Pide

Pide is a soft, slightly chewy flatbread that is perfect for scooping up mezes. To make pide:

  1. Mix flour, water, yeast, and salt to form a dough.
  2. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size.
  3. Shape the dough into oval discs, let them rest, and then bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.

Making Lavash

Lavash is a thin, unleavened flatbread that can be used for wrapping or dipping. To prepare lavash:

  1. Combine flour, water, and salt to create a soft dough.
  2. Roll the dough into thin sheets.
  3. Cook on a hot griddle or in a tandoor until puffed up and lightly charred.

Serving Mezes with Turkish Bread

Once your mezes and Turkish bread are ready, it’s time to serve:

  • Arrange the Mezes: Place your selected mezes in small bowls or on a large platter. This allows for a beautiful display and encourages sharing.
  • Cut the Bread: Slice the pide into wedges or tear the lavash into pieces, making it easy for guests to pick up.
  • Add Garnishes: Enhance the presentation with fresh herbs like parsley or mint, and a drizzle of quality olive oil over the mezes.

Enjoying the Meal

Encourage your guests to dip pieces of bread into the mezes, mix different flavors, and create their own combinations. Pairing the meal with traditional Turkish tea or raki, an anise-flavored spirit, will further enhance the experience.

Conclusion

Serving mezes with traditional Turkish bread is a celebration of flavors and a delightful way to bring people together. By selecting a variety of dishes and freshly baked bread, you can create an authentic Turkish meze platter that will leave a lasting impression. Enjoy this culinary journey and share the love of Turkish cuisine with your family and friends!