Exploring the World of Turkish Mezes
Mezes are an essential part of Turkish cuisine, serving as appetizers that are shared among diners and boast a wide range of flavors and ingredients such as vegetables, greens, pulses, pastes, yogurt, and cheese.
The Tradition of Mezes in Turkey
Mezes are a common sight on tables in Turkey, where diners take their time enjoying these small dishes that come in various flavors, often accompanied by freshly baked bread.
Diverse Flavors of Mezes
Each meze offers a unique taste experience, ranging from strong and spicy to savory, providing a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Mezes for Every Taste
Mezes cater to those looking to enjoy a shared culinary tradition rather than those seeking to fill up, with options to customize your selection or opt for a dedicated meze plate known as a “meze tabağı.”
Traditional Turkish Mezes
Deciding which mezes to try can be a challenging task due to the wide array of options available, each offering a distinct flavor profile.
Classic Mezes: Acılı Ezme
Acılı ezme is a Turkish take on salsa, featuring a blend of tomatoes, green peppers, onions, garlic, and lemon juice, with a unique twist that includes olive oil, red pepper paste, paprika flakes, and pomegranate molasses.
Refreshing Haydari
Haydari offers a refreshing meze option with its combination of yogurt, garlic, and spices like dill and mint, serving as a perfect complement to spicier dishes.
The Versatile Eggplant in Turkish Cuisine
Eggplant plays a significant role in Turkish mezes, with dishes like Şakşuka, Köpoğlu, and Patlıcan salatası showcasing the diverse ways this ingredient can be prepared.
Celebrating Beans with Hummus and Barbunya Pilaki
Beans are a staple in Turkish mezes, with dishes like hummus and barbunya pilaki offering delicious variations that highlight the versatility of this ingredient.
Delightful Vegetable Mezes: Deniz Börülcesi and Semiz Otu
Vegetable-based mezes like Deniz Börülcesi and Semiz Otu provide a fresh and flavorful addition to the meze selection, appealing to those looking for lighter options.
Exploring Unique Mezes: Havuç Tarator and Atom
Mezes like Havuç Tarator, featuring sautéed grated carrots with garlic and yogurt, and Atom, a spicy blend of grilled peppers in garlicky yogurt, offer a burst of distinct flavors.
Rare Regional Finds: Muhammara and Girit Ezmesi
Special mezes like Muhammara, a rich paste made from roasted red peppers, and Girit Ezmesi, a Cretan dip with feta cheese and walnuts, showcase the diverse influences on Turkish cuisine.
Discovering Lebanese and Armenian Mezes
Lebanese meze Mütebbel, featuring smoked eggplant and tahini, and Armenian meze Topik, a unique blend of chickpeas and potatoes, offer a glimpse into the rich culinary tapestry of Turkey.
