7 Essential Meze Recipes for an Authentic Greek Feast

Overview

Greek meze, a collection of small dishes served as appetizers or starters, is central to the Mediterranean dining experience. Perfect for sharing, meze is versatile enough for family dinners, celebrations, or simply enjoying a glass of ouzo with friends. Typically prepared in around 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the dish, their difficulty varies from simple to medium. Originating from various regions of Greece, these small plates are traditionally served before meals, during social gatherings, or as part of an aperitivo.

Ingredients

– **Tzatziki**:
– 1 cup (240 g) Greek yogurt
– 1 medium cucumber, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
– 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste

• Spanakopita (Spinach Pie):

  • 500 g fresh spinach or 300 g frozen spinach
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 200 g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 8 sheets phyllo pastry
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Feta with Honey and Nuts:

  • 200 g feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
  • 50 g walnuts or almonds, chopped

• Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades):

  • 250 g grape leaves (jarred)
  • 100 g rice
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Fried Zucchini Fritters (Kolokithokeftedes):

  • 500 g zucchini, grated
  • 1 cup (120 g) flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Grilled Octopus:

  • 1 kg octopus, cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • Salz und Pfeffer nach Geschmack
  • Lemon wedges for serving

• Beetroot Salad with Feta:

  • 500 g cooked beetroot, diced
  • 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Tzatziki

   • Combine grated cucumber with a pinch of salt; let sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess water.
   • In a bowl, mix the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill for 30 minutes.

2. Spanakopita

   • Sauté chopped onions in olive oil until soft. Add spinach, cooking until wilted. Remove from heat, letting cool.
   • Mix spinach with feta, salt, and pepper. Layer phyllo on a baking tray, brushing each sheet with olive oil. Add the spinach mixture and fold. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until golden.

3. Feta with Honey and Nuts

   • Simply place feta on a serving dish, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with chopped nuts. Serve fresh.

4. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades)

   • In a pot, sauté onions in olive oil until soft. Add rice, cooking for a few minutes. Mix with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
   • Place one grape leaf on a flat surface, add rice mixture, fold sides, and roll tightly. Arrange in a pot, cover with water, and simmer for 40-50 minutes.

5. Fried Zucchini Fritters

   • Squeeze excess water from grated zucchini. Mix with flour, eggs, dill, baking powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
   • Heat oil in a non-stick pan, drop spoonfuls of the mixture, and fry until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

6. Grilled Octopus

   • After cleaning the octopus, boil in salted water for 45 minutes until tender. Drain and cool.
   • Brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for 5-6 minutes on medium heat until charred. Serve with lemon wedges.

7. Beetroot Salad with Feta

   • Combine diced beetroot with crumbled feta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Serve chilled.

Variations & Substitutions

– **Dietary Swaps**:
– For vegan options, replace yogurt in tzatziki with cashew cream and feta with tofu or a nut-based feta. Use chickpea flour for gluten-free spanakopita.
– **Regional Twists**:
– Experiment with herbs such as mint in dolmades or spices like cumin in fritters.
– **Modern Styles**:
– Serve as a vibrant meze platter for parties, offering bite-sized pieces for easier access.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

– **Prep Ahead**:
– Tzatziki and feta drizzles can be made a day in advance. Spanakopita filling and grape leaves can be prepped the night before.
– **Storage**:
– Store dishes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– **Reheating**:
– For crispy textures, reheat spanakopita and fritters in the oven, while dolmades are best warmed in a pan with a splash of water.

Nutrition (Approx.)

– **Tzatziki**: 100 calories, 4g fat, 6g protein, 15g carbs
– **Spanakopita**: 250 calories, 15g fat, 6g protein, 22g carbs
– **Feta with Honey and Nuts**: 180 calories, 10g fat, 6g protein, 15g carbs
– **Dolmades**: 120 calories, 5g fat, 3g protein, 15g carbs
– **Fried Zucchini Fritters**: 200 calories, 10g fat, 6g protein, 25g carbs
– **Grilled Octopus**: 250 calories, 8g fat, 35g protein, 0g carbs
– **Beetroot Salad with Feta**: 160 calories, 10g fat, 5g protein, 14g carbs

Note: Nutritional estimates may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

– Pair meze with a light Greek white wine, such as Assyrtiko, or a refreshing spritz cocktail. Sparkling water is a perfect non-alcoholic choice.
– Present meze in small bowls with vibrant garnishes, such as fresh herbs or citrus slices, for an appealing display.
– For family-friendly options, consider simplifying flavors or offering skewered versions of fritters and grilled items.

FAQs

– **How do I keep bruschetta crispy?**
Toast the bread just before serving to maintain its crunch.
– **Can I prepare antipasto ahead of time?**
Yes, most can be prepared in advance; consider chilling items like salads that taste best cold.
– **What’s the best way to serve octopus?**
Grilled octopus can be served warm or at room temperature with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.
– **How to store leftover spanakopita?**
Store in airtight containers in the fridge and reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
– **Are dolmades suitable for freezing?**
Yes, they can be frozen before or after cooking; just ensure they are tightly wrapped.

Conclusion

Crafting these seven essential meze recipes allows you to create an authentic Greek feast that brings joy to any gathering. Keep in mind regional varieties, while sharing tastes from across Greece. Enjoy mixing these delightful appetizers for a meze platter that appeals to all. We invite you to share your favorite Greek starter recipes and continue the culinary journey of authentic Greek cuisine!