Middle Eastern & Meze (or Meza) Foods

List of Middle Eastern & Meze (or Meza) Recipes

Pita with lamb, etc.

Pita with lamb, etc.

These recipes are primarily from Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey and have much in common with recipes from Greece and other Balkan countries. They include abundant use of spices, herbs, nuts, olive oil, and yogurt. I also include a few Persian recipes.

Meza (or Meze) is a presentation of appetizers that together can make a meal. The Mediterranean Dish (2) calls it a “Party Platter)

(Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

See also:

Appetizer, Bread, Condiment, and Dip Recipes:

Main Course & Sides

Dessert & Treat Recipes

Meze (or Meza)

Meze is like a Middle Eastern Smorgasbord, or buffet.  But of course, the flavors are distinctly Mediterranean.  In addition to these recipes, other Meze sides include pita, hummus and other dips, olives, wedges of fresh lemon or lime, grilled meats (chicken, fish, lamb or beef), sausage, and other middle-Eastern preparations).

Beverages:

Accompaniments, Appetizers, Breads, Dips, Salads, Sauces

Related sites: 1. Epicurious Middle Eastern recipes (1)

Meze Menu Ideas

Use these menus to get ideas for your own meza:

  • Al Amir, Portland, OR (3) [Note: What used to be SW Stark St in Portland is now SW Harvey Milk St; Al Amir is located in the old Bishop’s House.] This was one of my fav restaurants in Portland, when I lived there.
  • The Middle East Club, Boston, MA (4)
  • The Cedars of Lebanon, Salt Lake City (5)
  • The Cedars of Lebanon, New York City (6) or check out The Mediterranean Dish blog (2)

See also The Mediterranean Dish blog’s page on Mezze (2)

References:

  1. Epicurious Middle Eastern recipes
  2. themediterraneandish.com/mezze-how-to-build-the-perfect-mediterranean-party-platter/
  3. alamirportland.com/
  4. mideastoffers.com/ (formerly mideastclub.com/restaurant)
  5. The Cedars of Lebanon in Seattle: cedarsseattle.com
  6. The Cedars of Lebanon in New York City:  menuism.com/restaurants/cedars-of-lebanon-new-york-37916