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If you are entertaining a large group of friends or family and want an impressive menu to spoil them with, why not make a Greek feast? Greek food is tasty, healthful and diverse – even the pickiest of palates can be pleased.
Mezethes consist of a range of small, plated Greek dishes, and though not usually served as an appetizer (but on their own as an accompaniment to alcohol), they make the perfect choice of cuisine if catering for large numbers. Mezethes can be either hot or cold, spicy, creamy, or salty, there is no hard and fast rule. Mezethes therefore make the ideal choice if you have a combination of different eaters – children, the elderly or the just plain fussy.
If any of your guests are vegetarian, Greek food is perfect. There is an array of vegetarian recipes for Greek food that will ensure your veggie friends are well catered for. Halloumi cheese is a recommended meat substitute for kebabs and stuffed peppers are also a good option, as are stuffed grape leaves. Ensure you make enough of these because meat eaters will love them too.
Greek mezethes might include dips – hummus is a classic choice (pureed chickpeas), tzatziki (garlic and yoghurt) or taramasalata (fish roe). Ensure you make plenty of dips well in advance, as these can be the perfect snack, served with small pieces of Turkish bread, as guests arrive or when late stragglers are helping you finish the last bottle of wine.
For meat eaters, ‘keftethes’ (meatballs) and lamb ‘kofta’ (kebabs) are deceptively easy to make and bring some weight to the whole spread. Greek recipes for meat will prescribe the exact herbs and spices to use, but there is no harm in experimenting according to your (or your guests’) taste. Meatballs and kebabs can also be prepared well in advance (in fact, it is better to do so, to allow the flavours to infuse) really saving you time. When prepared, cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Pasta recipes are a good source for Greek food inspiration, with pasta salads and bakes used extensively in Greek households. Pasta is often mixed with seafood, so calamari, shrimp or mussels could feature in your mezethes combined with pasta.
Include a mixture of green and black olives, some Turkish bread and plenty of olive oil for dipping. Light some candles, garnish your mezethes and get ready for some serious hostess appreciation.
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