Meze Magic

Treat guests to a taste of the Eastern Mediterranean with a dinner of light bites

BY Elliott Prag
PHOTOGRAPHY Carin Krasner

From Greek tavernas to Israeli cafés (with restaurants in Turkey, Syria, Cyprus, Egypt, and Lebanon thrown in too), there’s a dining option that’s tailor-made for soaking up sunsets and cooling off in evening summer breezes. Meze are small dishes of food meant to be shared over a glass of wine, either before the main meal or as a light dinner.

Meze can be anything from a block of feta cheese and a handful of olives served with a glass of wine to an elaborate spread of dips, vegetables, salads, and savory croquettes. The common ingredient is the fun, casual ambiance created when everyone’s tasting, talking, and enjoying the moment.

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Muhammara

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Muhammara, a popular Middle Eastern purée made from roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts, and pomegranate syrup, makes a nice alternative to hummus. If pomegranate syrup is unavailable, reduced pomegranate juice may be substituted. Simply simmer 2 cups pomegranate juice uncovered in a small saucepan over low heat until it is