I like to think of myself as an equal-opportunity-eater, but when it comes time to pick favorites, Greek food is definitely near the top of my list. Keeping with my recent string of posts on easy dinner parties, today is all about hosting a Greek Meze Party! Just like with my Turkish Meze and Spanish Tapas parties, going with a “small plates” theme is the perfect way to host a low-key get together. While visiting Athens I had the chance to try lots of different food, and I even took a cooking class to learn how to make some traditional recipes. Some of my favorite dishes (and my own recipes!) are listed below, but first we need to talk about equipment. Alright, here we go!
Greek Meze Tools
You really don’t need anything special to make these recipes, but I find that having these items on-hand make the whole process a breeze: Small Scraping Spatulas – ideal for scraping those dips and spreads out of the food processor! Any small-size spatula will do, but if you’re in the market for one I like this set by OXO. Sharp Knife – obvious, I know, but no one likes cutting tomatoes with a dull knife. I am a total Wusthof junkie (I favor the Classic Ikon series), and my favorite is the Deli Knife. So versatile! Adorable Serving Dishes – just go to World Market and go crazy. Okay, enough of the obligatory stuff. Let’s talk RECIPES.
Greek Meze Party Recipes
Note: I’m still meat-free (8 months now!), so I’m sharing vegetarian recipes for this post. Authentic Greek Tzatziki
It really wouldn’t be a Greek party without tzatziki! I learned how to make this Tzatziki recipe while I was visiting Athens – everyone who tries it tells me that it’s the authentic recipe they were looking for! Melitzanosalata
Melitzanosalata, or Greek Eggplant Dip, is a simple yet tasty dish of roasted eggplant (also called aubergine), garlic, oil, and lemon juice. It’s perfect spread on toasted bread. Greek Fava
Traditional Greek Fava is one of the best things I tasted in Greece. All it takes is a handful of ingredients and half an hour. Serve with plenty of bread and red wine! Greek Gigantes
Greek Gigantes are, not surprisingly, GIANT beans! In this recipe, the gigantes are slow cooked in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly creamy and tender. Horiatiki
Turns out I had been making this classic “Greek salad” wrong my whole life. So glad I had the chance to learn to make it the right way while in Greece! Greek Red Pepper and Feta Dip
This dip only takes five minutes but it will be a favorite among your guests! Potato Skordalia
Creamy potato, nutty almonds, and zesty garlic make up this classic Greek meze. Whether enjoyed as a dip or a spread, Potato Skordalia is an addictive snack! Orange Marinated Olives or Deep Fried Olives
If you’re short on prep time, just hit up the olive bar at your local specialty market and set out a tray of olive varietals. Rustic Olive Bread
Any crusty bread will do, but the salty olives in this bread really pairs well with all of the mezes.
To Round Out the Party
Set out plenty of bread and sliced vegetables for dipping in the various mezes. Some dried fruit and nuts would be lovely, too! Beverages: I never turn down a glass of Ouzo (an anise-flavored Greek aperitif), but it’s also nice to serve coffee or tea with a party. Don’t forget the wine! Dessert: Samali, a Greek-style semolina cake, would be absolutely delicious. For something easier, prepare a simple dish of Greek Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts. You could also go a little non-traditional and whip up an Apricot and Date Cream Cheese Coffee Cake, which you can prepare ahead of time.
Alright, I think that’s enough to keep us busy for a while. Who’s ready to have a Greek Meze Party?
