4 Quick Mezze Recipes for Effortless Mediterranean Entertaining

Simple, flavorful, and ready in minutes—these Mediterranean mezze dishes are perfect for casual get-togethers, summer nights, or appetizer spreads.

RECIPE 1: Smoky Baba Ghanoush

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants

• 2 tbsp tahini

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt to taste

• Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roast the eggplants over open flame or in a 220°C oven until charred and soft (approx. 30 minutes).

2. Scoop out the flesh and let it drain for a few minutes.

3. Blend with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until creamy. Season with salt and a pinch of smoked paprika.

4. Serve with warm pita, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh parsley.

🍞 RECIPE 2: Turkish Cheese Pide

Serves: 2–4 (as appetizer)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 store-bought pizza dough or homemade

• 100g shredded mozzarella

• 100g Turkish kasar or mild cheddar

• 1 egg yolk

• Handful fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions:

1. Roll the dough into a boat shape and pinch the ends.

2. Fill with cheeses and brush edges with egg yolk.

3. Bake at 200°C for 12–15 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

4. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and slice into small bites.

🫒 RECIPE 3: Marinated Olive & Pepper Bowl

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-cook)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed olives

• 5–6 pepperoncini or mild pickled peppers

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp lemon zest

Optional: a few capers

Instructions:

1. Toss olives and peppers with olive oil, oregano, and lemon zest.

2. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavor.

3. Serve in a small bowl as a refreshing, tangy mezze bite.

🍢 RECIPE 4: Spiced Kofta with Red Onion Salad

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8–10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 400g ground lamb or beef

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tsp sumac

• Fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped

• Olive oil & lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Mix meat with garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Shape into small oblong patties.

2. Pan-fry or grill until browned and cooked through (approx. 8–10 minutes).

3. Toss onions with sumac, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil.

4. Serve kofta warm with salad and warm flatbread.

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