Appetizing Mezedes
- by XpatAthens
- Friday, 20 February 2015
When Greek people dine out they usually share a variety of mezedes, various different dishes which are rather appetizers than main dishes. However, when many of them are combined together, then they create a delicious meal. The mezedes (single: mezes) can also be served before or with main dishes, and are usually accompanied with ouzo or tsipouro. They come in small plates. It is one of the basic elements of the Greek culture to share food and drinks with friends, in a joyful and unhurried environment.
Here are a few to try:
- Tzatziki: Greek yogurt with finely chopped cucumber, garlic and olive oil. Ideal to eat with fresh Greek bread, fried potatoes or fried meatballs.
- Saganaki: Fried cheese. Different sorts of cheese can be found in saganaki. Excellent with a zest of lemon.
- Keftedakia: Fried meatballs of beef, garlic and bread. Excellent dish.
- Spanakopitakia: Small spinach pies with crushed feta cheese.
- Tiropitakia: Small cheese pies, usually made of feta or kasseri cheese.
- Horta: Boiled wild greens with olive oil, salt and lemon.
- Briam: Mix of roast potatoes, eggplants, onions, garlic, tomato sauce and olive oil.
- Dolmadakia: Grape leaves filled with rice and onions and sometimes minced beef.
- Kalamarakia: Small pieces of fried squid with lemon juice.
- Htapodi: Small pieces of octopus served either fried with lemon juice or boiled, with olive oil, vinegar and oregano.
- Feta cheese: The famous Greek cheese can also be eaten alone, as a meze, with olive oil and oregano.
Kali Oreksi!
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