Meze is a delightful selection of small appetizers that are perfect for sharing. This dish typically includes a variety of dips and spreads, such as hummus, babaganoush, and tzatziki, along with fresh vegetables, olives, and bread.

The tradition of serving meze dates back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was a popular way to start a meal or enjoy with drinks. Today, meze is a staple in Turkish cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

To make meze, you need to prepare a variety of dips and spreads. This can include blending chickpeas to make hummus, roasting eggplants for babaganoush, and mixing yogurt with cucumbers and garlic for tzatziki. Once the dips are ready, they are arranged on a platter with fresh vegetables, olives, and bread.

There are many ways to customize your meze platter. You can add different types of dips, such as muhammara (a spicy red pepper dip) or labneh (strained yogurt). You can also include a variety of fresh herbs, nuts, and cheeses to add more flavor and texture.

In Turkey, meze is typically served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal. It is often enjoyed with a glass of rakı, a traditional Turkish anise-flavored spirit. The combination of flavors and textures in a meze platter makes it a perfect dish for sharing with friends and family.

Meze is not only delicious but also has some health benefits. Many of the dips and spreads are made with healthy ingredients, such as chickpeas, eggplants, and yogurt, which are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. However, it is important to enjoy meze in moderation, as some of the dips can be high in calories and fat.