Mezze (pronounced “meh-zay”) (mazza, meze, mezzah, mezzeh, or mezza, depending on where it’s served) is a dining style popular in the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, the Balkans, West Asia, and the Middle East. It includes countries such as Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Lebanon, Iran, Dubai, Armenia, and many more; essentially countries that were part of the Ottoman Empire in the past. Mezze can be served with or without alcohol.
Mezze consists of small delicacy dishes shared at the table, similar to Spanish tapas with small plates and finger food intended to stimulate the appetite. Mezze can, in a more European perspective, be used as an appetizer before the main course. However, unlike the Spanish appetizers—tapas—mezze is often intended to constitute the entire meal, with dishes being served as they are ready. Mezze often offers a combination of cold and hot foods, including vegetables, meats, dips, and bread; finger foods, such as stuffed olives, small salted fish, hard cheeses, and meatballs. Leftovers of hot dishes from the day before can thus be used as small hot servings throughout the meal.
As inspiration for a vegetarian Mezza from the Middle Eastern cuisine, you can include: