What Goes Into That Lebanese Mezze Platter?

The Mezze platter is an absolute must as far as appetizers at a Middle Eastern restaurant go. You’ll get a little taste of what’s to come, or get in a serving of veggies before a massive hunk of lamb takes over the whole table.

But for lunch, it’s the perfect spread. Not too heavy or too light, frequently vegetarian, full of varied, bright flavors and often packing something you have never tried before.

Here are a few items you will find:

1. Tabouli

Salad consisting of crushed bulgur wheat, parsley, chopped tomato and cucumber, lemon juice and za’atar, an amazing herbal-citrusy Middle Eastern spice blend with sesame seeds.

2. Baba Ganoush

It is a dip or a spread made from mashed roasted eggplant, sesame paste and garlic.

3. Kibbeh

Kibbeh, is a Levantine dish made of bulgur, minced onions, and finely ground lean beef, lamb, goat, or camel meat with Middle Eastern spices. Other types of kibbeh may be shaped into balls or patties, and baked, cooked in broth, or served raw.

4. Hummus

Hummus is a Levantine dip or spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas or other beans, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and garlic.

5. Stuffed Grape Leaves

Grape leaves, the leaves of the grapevine plant, are used in the cuisines of a number of cultures. They are most often picked fresh from the vine and stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices, and then cooked by boiling or steaming.

6. Tzatziki

Tzatziki, Cacık or Tarator is a dip, soup, or sauce found in the cuisines of Southeast Europe and the Middle East. It is made of salted strained yogurt or diluted yogurt mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, sometimes with vinegar or lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley and thyme.

7. Falafel

Falafel is a deep-fried ball, or a flat or doughnut-shaped patty, made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Herbs, spices, and onion relatives are commonly added to the dough.

8. Tahini

Tahini is a condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame. It is served by itself or as a major ingredient in hummus and baba ganoush.

So, try making your own platter at home and let me know, in the comments section below!