Meze is a collection of small dishes served as appetizers or snacks in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. These dishes are perfect for sharing with friends and family or as a quick bite to eat on the go. Greek meze is no exception. With its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, Greek meze is a great way to experience the vibrant culinary culture of Greece.

1. Spanakopita

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spinach, washed and trimmed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 sheets phyllo dough, thawed (8-1/2 x 14 inches)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a large skillet, cook spinach, onion, and garlic over medium heat until spinach is wilted and onion is softened.
• In a large bowl, mix together spinach mixture, feta cheese, eggs, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
• Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface and brush with melted butter. Repeat with 5 more sheets, stacking them on top of each other.
• Spread the spinach and feta mixture over the phyllo dough.
• Place one sheet of phyllo dough on top of the spinach mixture and brush with butter. Repeat with 5 more sheets, stacking them on top of each other.
• Cut into squares or diamonds.
• Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown.

2. Tzatziki

Ingredients:

• 1 small cucumber, peeled and grated
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• In a medium bowl, mix together grated cucumber, yogurt, garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

3. Keftedes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, mint, egg, salt, and pepper.
• Form the mixture into walnut-sized balls.
• Roll the balls in flour and shake off any excess.
• In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
• Remove from skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.