Turkish Mezes You Can Make for a Light Meal

Turkish cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, and one of the best ways to experience it is through mezes. These small dishes are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed as a light meal or appetizer. Here are some delicious Turkish mezes you can easily make at home for a satisfying yet light dining experience.

1. Hummus

Hummus is a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. To prepare, blend cooked chickpeas with tahini and the other ingredients until smooth. Serve it with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables for a delightful starter.

2. Ezme

Ezme is a spicy Turkish salad made from finely chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers, dressed with olive oil and pomegranate molasses. To make ezme, simply combine the diced ingredients, season with salt and pepper, and allow it to marinate for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

3. Yaprak Sarma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Yaprak sarma consists of vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. Although they may seem complex, they are relatively easy to make. Cook the rice with onions, pine nuts, and a mix of herbs, roll the mixture in grape leaves, and then simmer in lemony water until cooked through.

4. Acili Ezme (Spicy Tomato Salsa)

Acili ezme is a simple yet flavorful dish made with tomatoes, peppers, garlic, and olive oil. Chop the vegetables finely, season with salt, and add a bit of lemon juice. This vibrant salsa pairs wonderfully with bread or as a topping for grilled meats.

5. Spinach and Feta Borek

Borek are flaky pastry filled with various ingredients, and a popular variant is the spinach and feta filling. Use phyllo dough to wrap up a mixture of sautéed spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Bake until golden and crispy for a delicious addition to your meze platter.

6. Tarator

Tarator is a yogurt-based dip made with crushed walnuts, garlic, and a hint of dill. This creamy dish brings together the tanginess of yogurt and the nuttiness of walnuts, making it a refreshing choice. Serve it chilled alongside crunchy vegetables or breadsticks for dipping.

7. Muhammara

Muhammara is a spicy red pepper and walnut dip that hails from the southeastern region of Turkey. To make this flavorful dish, blend roasted red peppers with walnuts, garlic, breadcrumbs, and a splash of olive oil. The result is a perfect, slightly smoky dip with a hint of heat.

8. Fava

Fava is an elegant meze made from pureed broad beans and flavored with garlic and lemon juice. This smooth and creamy dish is often garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it with pita chips or toasted bread for a delicious light meal option.

9. Cacık

Cacık is a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip, akin to Greek tzatziki. Combine finely diced cucumbers with yogurt, minced garlic, and fresh mint or dill. This cooling dish is perfect for hot days and pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a meze spread.

10. Börek with Potato and Cheese Filling

This savory pastry is filled with a simple yet tasty mixture of mashed potatoes and cheese. Using phyllo dough or puff pastry, create individual or large sizes and bake until golden. These are a beloved addition to any Turkish meze selection.

Making these Turkish mezes at home is a delightful way to explore the flavors of this vibrant cuisine. Whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, these dishes will surely impress and satisfy your taste buds.