As timeless as the azure waters of the Aegean, the little Greek dishes known as meze are perfect for todays way of eating. Author Rosemary Barron has compiled 65 of her favorite recipes- full of flavor and good health- from traditional small bowls of marinated olives and little cheeses to more substantial meat-filled pastries and grilled seafood. Meze gives advice on stocking the shelves with essential basics and offers helpful hints on preparing spectacular Mediterranean buffets or casual outdoor get-togethers without spending all day in the kitchen. Meze celebrates the art of slowing down, of savoring the simple, distinct flavors of Mediterranean ingredients, and of sharing the experience with friends and family.
A Greek native shares the wonders of meze, its rituals, and traditions, introducing eighty recipes that can be used as appetizers or to create a complete meal.
The Greek and Lebanese meze is a snack served alone or before a meal, or as part of a whole meal. It can be simple - little plates of olives or feta cheese with olive oil and oregano - or more substantial, such as a delicious plate of shrimp. Recipes include dips such as cooling yogurt and cucumber Tzatziki, and Tarator with tahini and garlic. Try pint-size salads such as Tabbouleh. Meze made with beans include a superb version of Falafel. Dolmathes (stuffed vine leaves) and Zucchini Fritters are among the vegetables. Fish and meat dishes include Mussels in Saffron Lemon Sauce and Keftethes (fried meatballs).
Moving beyond familiar rustic, old-fashioned Greek fare are the delicious and unique offerings of premier chef, Pano Karatassos, tailored for the home cook. These 100 best-loved recipes served at Chef Pano’s award-winning Atlanta restaurant, Kyma, showcase his inspiration: paying homage to the flavors and traditions of Greece, and to the wealth of insight about Greek cooking passed down from his grandmother; his classical French training, and even a touch of his Southern roots. The 100 dishes are Chef Pano’s updated takes on Greek flavor combinations and ingredients. Meze include Spicy Red Pepper Feta Spread; Grilled Eggplant and Walnut Spread; Steamed Mussels with Feta Sauce; Braised Octopus with Pasta and Tomato Sauce; and Lamb Phyllo Spirals. Entrees showcase seafood in Braised Whole Fish with Tomatoes, Garlic, and Onions and Olive Oil–Poached Cod with Clams and Melted Leeks; as well as meat dishes such as Grilled Lamb Chops with Greek Fries. Manouri Cheese Panna Cotta, Semolina Custard and Blueberry Phyllo Pies, and Hazelnut Baklava Sundaes are among the desserts. Accompanying the dishes are approximately 60 full-color photographs by renowned food photographer Francesco Tonelli. Greek wine expert Sofia Perpera provides the wine pairings.
Mediterranean food expert Wright presents a jaw-dropping collection of more than 500 recipes for all sorts of traditional Mediterranean appetizers, snacks, and little foods.
A collection of over 80 classic and modern recipes from MasterChef semi-finalist Theo Michaels; paying homage to his heritage by championing new modern dishes inspired by the flavours of Greece and Cyprus. Kali orexi is the Greek equivalent of bon appétit and this enticing book will certainly whet your appetite! Organized in chapters entitled Meze, Sea, Land, Sun and Fire, Theo's recipes evoke a sense of connection to nature, seasonality, abundance and sociable eating. Fresh ingredients sing from the plate, from juicy watermelon and glossy kalamata olives, to fragrant oregano-roasted lamb and delicate vine-leaf-baked sea bass. Meze features mouth-watering small plates for sharing from whipped dips to meatballs. The sea is woven into Greek culture and seafood is a staple; enjoy the freshest fish and shellfish cooked simply and served with a squeeze of lemon juice. Meat is a huge part of the Greek diet – rabbit, goat, chicken, lamb are the mainstay with pork enjoyed at Easter celebrations. Cooking over charcoal is part of daily life. The Cypriots use a large rotisserie famous for its souvla (long skewer), while mainland Greece make souvlaki and both BBQ and oven-roasted dishes are included here. Greek yogurt, along with artisan cheeses (feta, halloumi etc.) can be eaten hot (saganaki) or shaved into vibrant salads and the traditions of 'horta' means there are plenty of vegetable dishes to enjoy. Finally, Greek desserts are often just a sweet note to savour with a bitter black coffee or you may prefer a Greek-inspired cocktail such as an Ouzo Sour.
