Middle Eastern Mezze Platter

Bring the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to your table with this stunning Mezze Platter. It's a feast for the eyes and the palate, featuring an artful arrangement of creamy homemade hummus, briny olives, tangy feta, crisp vegetables, and warm pita bread. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this platter is an effortless way to create a memorable and delicious gathering.

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The beauty of a mezze platter lies in its variety and the social experience it encourages. Each dip into the hummus or bite of salty feta offers a new combination of flavors. It’s more than just an appetizer; it’s an invitation to slow down, connect, and savor good food and good company.

Ingredients

• Hummus
• 1½ cups (400 g) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ¼ cup (60 ml) tahini
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• 2–3 tbsp cold water
• Vegetables
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup carrot sticks
• Olives & Cheese
• 1 cup mixed olives (green and Kalamata), pitted if desired
• 150 g feta cheese, cut into cubes or slices
• Bread
• 4 pita breads, cut into triangles
• Garnishes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp sumac or paprika
• Lemon wedges

Vacuum seal ingredients and leftovers to keep food fresh longer and simplify meal prep.

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Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the hummus: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding cold water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2

Arrange the hummus in a shallow bowl or spread on a platter. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with sumac or paprika.

Step 3

Artfully arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot sticks, olives, and feta cheese around the hummus.

Step 4

Warm the pita bread if desired, then cut into triangles and add to the platter.

Step 5

Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, add roasted red peppers or a pinch of smoked paprika to the hummus.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap feta for labneh or goat cheese if preferred. Add stuffed grape leaves, falafel, or tabbouleh for a larger spread.

Serviervorschläge

Pair with a crisp white wine or mint tea.

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Enjoy creating your own beautiful and delicious Middle Eastern Mezze Platter. It’s a versatile and satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit at any occasion, whether it's a casual snack or the centerpiece of a party.

Organize cleaning supplies and kitchen essentials under the sink for quicker access during cooking and cleanup.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the mezze platter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components separately up to 4 hours ahead. Keep vegetables refrigerated in airtight containers and make hummus the morning of. Assemble the platter 30 minutes before serving to maintain freshness and prevent vegetables from wilting.

→ What cheeses work best as feta alternatives?

Labneh offers a creamy, tangy option similar to feta. Goat cheese provides a subtle earthiness, while halloumi adds a firmer texture. Ricotta salata gives a crumbly, salty alternative. Choose based on your texture and flavor preferences.

→ How do I make the hummus creamier?

Add cold water gradually while blending until you reach desired consistency. For extra creaminess, increase tahini slightly or blend in 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. Reserve the cooking liquid from chickpeas as a richly flavored alternative to water.

→ What vegetables work best for this platter?

Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and carrots are excellent base vegetables. Add radishes, celery, fennel, or blanched green beans for variety. Choose colorful options to create visual appeal and provide complementary flavors and textures.

→ Is this platter suitable for dietary restrictions?

This is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly when using oil-based dressing without dairy. For gluten-free servings, substitute pita with gluten-free crackers. Always verify ingredient labels, particularly tahini and pita, for allergen information.

→ What beverages pair well with a mezze platter?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the fresh flavors beautifully. Traditional mint tea offers a refreshing non-alcoholic option. Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber adds lightness to the meal.