What ingredients are needed for this classic Greek Meze recipe?
Delight Your Taste Buds with this Classic Greek Meze Recipe
Discover the charm of Greece right in your kitchen by making a customary Greek Meze, one of the most beloved dishes from the Greek Isles. Reminiscent of the Spanish tapas tradition, the Greek Meze is a medley of small, flavorful dishes served to create a full meal. This recipe, focusing on traditional favorites such as Tzatziki, Dolmades, and Taramasalata, is perfect for gatherings, as it invites sharing and conviviality, just like in greece.
Ingredients:
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cucumber
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh dill
- Salt and olive oil to taste
For the Dolmades:
- 20 grape leaves
- 1 cup rice
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch of dill and mint
- EVOO and juice of 1 lemon
For the Taramasalata:
- 200g smoked cod roe
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 250ml olive oil
- 1lemon, juice only
- 2 slices of white bread, crusts removed and soaked in water
Instructions:
- Tzatziki: Grate the cucumber and add salt to draw out the water. After 10 minutes squeeze the excess liquid out. Combine cucumber with the other ingredients in a bowl. stir well and refrigerate before serving.
- Dolmades: Rinse the grape leaves and blanch them in boiling water. Finely chop the onion and garlic and sauté them. Add the rice and seasoning. After the rice is cooked, let it cool. Place a spoonful of rice on each leaf and roll them up. Place the dolmades in a pot, add water, olive oil, and lemon juice, and let them simmer for about 40 minutes.
- Taramasalata: Blend the roe and onion in a food processor. Gradually add the olive oil until a smooth paste is formed. Squeeze the water out of the bread and add to the processor along with the lemon juice. Continue blending until smooth.
Enjoy Your Greek Meze
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made the classic Greek Meze. They’re vibrant, flavorful and a real treat to the palate. Make sure to serve the dishes with some warm, fresh pita bread and a selection of olives for the perfect Greek dining experience.
This recipe isn’t just about making flavorful food, but also about creating a joyful communal dining atmosphere. Share these dishes with your family and friends over good conversations, laughter, and never forget to say “Opa!” as you dig into these Greek delights.
Kali Orexi!