Meze

Meze or mezze is a selection of small dishes served to accompany alcoholic drinks as a course or as appetizers before the main dish in the Near East, the Balkans, Greece, and North Africa. The term is found in all the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire and comes from the Turkish word meze meaning "taste, flavor, snack, relish".

Etymology

The word meze comes from the Turkish word meze which means "taste, flavor, snack, relish". The word has been borrowed into Greek, Bulgarian, Romanian, and Serbian languages.

History

The tradition of meze is believed to have originated in the Persian Empire where the royal kitchens would serve a variety of small dishes to the royals before meals. This tradition was later adopted by the Ottoman Empire and spread to various parts of the world.

Types of Meze

There are many types of meze. They can be categorized into vegetarian meze, meat meze, seafood meze, and dairy meze. Some common types of meze include hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, tabbouleh, dolma, and tzatziki.

Serving

Meze is usually served in small plates and bowls. It is often accompanied by pita bread or other types of bread. In some cultures, meze is served with raki, an anise-flavored liquor.

Health Benefits

Meze dishes are often made with fresh, healthy ingredients like vegetables, legumes, and lean meats. They are typically low in fat and high in fiber, making them a good choice for a healthy diet.

See Also

• Tapas
• Antipasto
• Zakuski

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