How I Learned to Cook Middle Eastern Mezze from Scratch
Like many of you, my cooking journey has been a series of experiments, successes, and, well, let’s just say, learning opportunities. However, one adventure that holds a special place in my culinary heart is how I mastered the art of making Middle Eastern mezze from scratch. If you’re not familiar, mezze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers in many parts of the Middle East. They range from dips to salads, pastries, and more, all bursting with flavor. So, how did an absolute beginner like me go about tackling such an exotic and diverse menu? Let me take you through my journey, with some simple steps and tips that helped me along the way.
Step 1: Embrace the Adventure of New Ingredients
The first moment of truth came when I realized that Middle Eastern cuisine involves some ingredients I had never heard of! Sumac, za’atar, and tahini were not staples in my pantry. So, the adventure began with a trip to a local international grocery store. If you don’t have one nearby, many of these can also be found online or in the international aisle of a well-stocked supermarket. My advice? Don’t be afraid to ask store employees for help or recommendations. Also, reading the labels and researching can be an exciting part of the cooking process.
Step 2: Start with What You Love
For my first mezze, I focused on dishes I’d enjoyed in restaurants: hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel. Starting with recipes for these familiar favorites made the process less intimidating. There are plenty of recipes online that break down each step into simple, manageable parts. The trick is to find recipes that spell out everything in straightforward language. My top tip here is, don’t shy away from watching tutorial videos for a more hands-on demonstration.
Step 3: Mastering Hummus from Scratch
Hummus was my starting point, and let me tell you, making it from scratch is a game-changer. The key was using canned chickpeas (a shortcut I swear by for beginners), lots of tahini for that creamy texture, and just the right amount of lemon juice for tanginess. The real secret? Ice water. Adding a bit while blending made my hummus unbelievably smooth. It’s all about experimenting until you find the perfect combination for your taste.
Step 4: Tackling Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh was next, and it taught me the importance of fresh ingredients. This parsley salad with bulgur, tomatoes, and a lemony dressing is refreshing and surprisingly easy to make. The main lesson here was that chopping ingredients finely makes all the difference, and don’t skimp on the herbs. Fresh mint and parsley are non-negotiable for that authentic tabbouleh flavor.
Step 5: The Challenge of Homemade Falafel
Falafel was my Everest. It took a few tries to get them right—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with just the right blend of spices. The breakthrough came when I learned that soaking dried chickpeas overnight, instead of using canned, made the texture perfect. Also, investing in a small ice cream scoop for shaping the falafels ensured they were the perfect size and cooked evenly.
Step 6: Sharing the Love
Perhaps the most rewarding part of learning to cook Middle Eastern mezze was sharing these dishes with friends and family. There’s something magical about laying out a spread of colorful, flavorful dishes that you’ve made from scratch. It turns a meal into an experience—a journey to a different part of the world, right from your dining room.
Keep Learning, Keep Cooking
My journey into the world of Middle Eastern cooking didn’t stop with mezze. These dishes were just the beginning. Each successful recipe boosted my confidence to try more complex dishes. I learned that cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Embrace the missteps, celebrate the successes, and always be willing to try again.
For anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons, Middle Eastern mezze is a fantastic place to start. It’s about mixing and matching different ingredients, flavors, and textures. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce yourself and your loved ones to the rich and diverse cultures of the Middle East. Who knows? It might just inspire your next cooking adventure. Happy cooking!
