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Meze Platter

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer vegetarian, Appetizers

Meze Platter

The Meze Platter finds its roots in the bustling meyhane tables of Istanbul, where flavors are crafted with a generous hand. Each dish in this spread reflects the care and tradition of Turkish home cooking, where salt is not measured but felt, and the richness of olive oil is celebrated. This home version captures the essence of a shared meal, bringing together family and friends around a table filled with vibrant, small plates.

Expect a symphony of textures and tastes: creamy hummus and haydari, the refreshing coolness of cacık, and the fiery kick of ezme. Briny olives and warm, soft flatbread complete the platter, offering a balance of flavors that is both satisfying and deliciously varied. Generous drizzles of olive oil enhance each component, inviting you to savor every bite.

Ingredients

  • 200 ghummus
  • 200 gezme
  • 150 gcacık
  • 150 ghaydari
  • 100 golives
  • flatbread — to serve
  • to finisholive oil
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Begin by arranging your workspace with all the components of the Meze Platter: 200 g hummus, 200 g ezme, 150 g cacık, 150 g haydari, 100 g olives, and flatbread. Ensure each component is in its own serving dish or bowl to make assembly smooth and efficient.
  2. To build flavor, drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the hummus and haydari. This not only adds richness but also enhances the creamy texture of these dips. Sprinkle a pinch of fine sea salt over the hummus to bring out its nutty flavor.
  3. Warm the flatbread to enhance its softness and aroma. Use a dry skillet over medium heat, placing one piece of flatbread at a time. Heat each side for about 30 seconds until it becomes pliable and slightly golden, indicating it's ready to serve.
  4. Arrange the warmed flatbread on the platter alongside the dips. Position the 100 g of olives in a small bowl or directly on the platter, ensuring they are easily accessible for sharing.
  5. Finish the platter by drizzling a touch more olive oil over the ezme, which will help meld its spicy and tangy flavors. Taste each component and add a little more fine sea salt if needed, adjusting to your preference.
  6. Serve the Meze Platter immediately, encouraging guests to share and enjoy the variety of textures and flavors. This platter is designed for communal enjoyment, embodying the spirit of a traditional Turkish meyhane table.
Cover of Authentic Turkish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Turkish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Turkish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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