Origin & Traditions of Mezze
The origins of mezze are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire, which spanned much of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Mezze has been a part of the region's culinary traditions for centuries, with influences from various cultures and cuisines that have passed through the area over time. Some of the dishes that are commonly found in mezze, such as hummus and falafel, have roots that can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Over time, mezze has evolved to become a popular dining experience, enjoyed by people throughout the Middle East and beyond. Today, mezze is often associated with Lebanese and Turkish cuisines, but it is also a part of the culinary traditions of many other countries in the region.
Technically, it is an assortment of finger foods that is a staple part of the dining experience in Eastern Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Arab countries. Mezze includes hot and cold varieties.
The Mezze culture is that of relaxed food, where people get together and enjoy a variety of dishes (with or without alcohol) in a casual and laid-back atmosphere, all while being social and interacting with friends. The most significant characteristic about Mezze is that it is food to be shared with a group, and not meant to be ordered by plate for each individual. In the Middle East, you would get a variety of dishes that are placed in the middle of the dining table, from which each one takes out into their plates.
The dishes are brought out one by one... first the cold dishes, then the hot. It is a common tradition in nearly every Middle Eastern or Mediterranean culture and is similar to the Spanish tapas tradition. Except for the fact that tapas are served in bodegas (bars & pubs) as appetizers meant to stimulate the appetite before serving a meal. The mezze table however, is selected and served as an entire meal in itself. To think of these small dishes as appetizers or tapas is to misunderstand this traditional culinary sensibility. Thus, culinarily speaking, it is more appropriate to compare mezze to the Scandinavian smörgåsbord, to which it is more philosophically related, rather than hors d’oeuvre, antipasti, tapas, or appetizers.
You may see mezze spelled mazza, meze, mezzah, mezzeh or mezza. It's pronounced mez-ay.
The following are common dishes served as part of a Mezze dinner party.
Matbucha (Morrocan spicy tomato dip)
Tahina
Tabouleh
A selection of Olives & Pickles
Muhamara (made out of red peppers & walnuts)
Arab flat breads or pita or naan
Dessert:
