What is the traditional preparation method for the Greek Meze appetizer in the Mediterranean cuisine, as mentioned in ‘Savor the Mediterranean: A Simple Greek Meze Appetizer Recipe
Take a culinary journey to the stunning blue and white shores of Greece with this simple Meze (appetizer) recipe. The meze is a centerpiece of Greek hospitality, meant to be shared amongst friends, served with a side of good wine and conversation. Today, we’ll be making Tzatziki and Spanakopita, two classic Greek dishes, that are perfect for lazy afternoons, intimate gatherings or a fancy cocktail party.
Ingredients:
For Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, finely grated
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- A few sprigs of dill, finely chopped (optional)
For Spanakopita:
- 500g spinach leaves
- 200g feta cheese
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 300g filo pastry
- 200g unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
For Tzatziki:
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, finely minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar.
- Mix gently until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper, and add the chopped dill (if using).
- Cover the bowl with a lid or cling wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for the flavors to meld.
For Spanakopita:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Sauté onions and spinach in a pan until spinach has wilted. Set aside to cool.
- Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach. Transfer to a large bowl and crumble in the feta cheese.
- Add chopped dill and beaten eggs into the spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Brush a baking tin with some of the melted butter. Layer the bottom with half the filo pastry, brushing each sheet with butter as you layer them.
- Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the pastry. Top with the remaining filo pastry, brushing each with butter as before.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until golden. Cool before cutting into squares to serve.
In the charming tradition of Greek dining, these delightful meze plates are meant to be savored and enjoyed at leisure. They are a tribute to the natural, healthy ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine, a comfort food meant to bring people together.
With these simple culinary instructions, you can transport your senses to the beauty of the Mediterranean and enjoy the warmth and inviting flavors of Greek cooking. So take out those beautiful ceramic plates, pour some aromatic Greek wine, and serve up these gorgeous Greek Meze appetizers. Bon Appétit!
Recipe Outro
Bringing a slice of the Greek Isles to your dining table has never been so easy. Enjoy the mingling of flavors, freshness, and simplicity that Greek cuisine beautifully offers. Remember, the beauty of a Meze lies not just in its taste but also in the shared experience of dining and conversing. Pair this with a fig and olive salad or a roasted lamb for a full Greek dining experience. Here’s to creating beautiful memories over delicious food, the Greek way. Kali Orexi!
