Turkish Meze Mosaic: A Colourful Array of Tastes and Textures
A Tapestry of Flavours
The culinary tradition of Türkiye is as vibrant and diverse as the country itself. Meze can be described as an array of small dishes that can either be served as appetisers before the main course or pairings for the drink of your choice. They truly embody the cultural mosaic of these lands. Meze is more than just food. It's a culinary tradition that embodies togetherness and community. A typical meze table is bustling with a colourful variety of dishes, friends and family, laughter, and plenty of shared stories. It is a heart-warming culinary experience that truly represents Turkish hospitality.
Signature Turkish Meze Varieties
Dolma and Sarma: Stuffed Delights
Dolma (stuffed vegetables) and Sarma (stuffed grape leaves) are quintessential Turkish meze dishes. The stuffing typically consists of boiled rice, minced meat, herbs, and spices, providing a medley of taste and texture.
Haydari: A Creamy Yogurt Dip
Haydari is a classic yogurt-based meze. This dip includes minced garlic, dill, and mint, serving as a refreshing, tangy treat to your palate. It pairs beautifully with warm, freshly baked Turkish pita bread (pide).
Ezme: Spicy Tomato Salad
Ezme brings a spicy twist to the meze table. A blend of finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs, livened up by a generous splash of lemon juice and pomegranate syrup, Ezme is a sweet and sour, tangy, and spicy delight.
Çerkez Tavuğu: Circassian Chicken
Çerkez Tavuğu is a meze made from shredded chicken, enveloped in a creamy walnut sauce and served chilled. Often spiced with garlic and paprika, the sauce lends a rich, nutty flavour to the dish, complementing the tender chicken perfectly.
Mercimek Köftesi: Lentil Balls
Mercimek Köftesi is a delicious and nutritious vegetarian offering in the meze spread. Made from red lentils, bulgur wheat, onions, and a flavourful combination of spices, these "meatless" meatballs are a favourite for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Hummus: A Popular Chickpea Dip
Hummus is popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean and takes its rightful place on Turkish meze tables. This creamy, rich dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice is a classic that is adored worldwide.
Fava: Broad Bean Purée
This classic meze is a creamy, flavourful dish made from boiled and mashed broad beans, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar. Served chilled and often garnished with fresh dill and red onions, Fava is both rich and refreshing.
Tarama: Fish Roe Salad
Tarama is a rich and creamy meze dish made from fish roe, breadcrumbs or mashed potatoes, lemon juice, and olive oil. It has a distinct, slightly salty flavour and a velvety texture, typically spread on slices of warm bread.
Babaganuş: Smoky Eggplant Salad
Babaganuş is a smoky and creamy eggplant salad. It is typically made by roasting eggplants until they're soft, peeling them, and then mashing them with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and various seasonings. Last but not least, finely chopped tomatoes and peppers are added.
Muhammara: Spicy Red Pepper Dip
Muhammara is embraced by those who appreciate spicy, robust flavours. This dip includes red bell peppers, walnuts, and breadcrumbs. It is seasoned with pomegranate molasses and hot pepper paste.
By exploring these tastes and textures of the Turkish meze varieties, you're truly embracing a culinary tradition that bridges the old with the new, the east with the west, and the simple with the complex, making it an unmissable culinary experience.
The joy of Turkish meze lies not only in the diversity of dishes but also in the slow, social manner in which it is consumed. Unlike a traditional three-course meal, meze invites you to linger over the table, sampling a variety of tastes and textures while engaging in long conversations over a couple of drinks. Infused with a wealth of flavours from the region, each meze dish tells a story of Turkish culinary traditions and local ingredients from different regions.