Indulge in the rich tapestry of flavors that Cyprus has to offer with our authentic Cyprus Meze experience. Meze, deeply rooted in Cypriot culture, is not just a meal but a celebration of community, tradition, and gastronomic excellence. Dive into a culinary journey where small plates burst with vibrant colors, aromatic herbs, and the freshest ingredients sourced from the bountiful lands and azure seas of the Mediterranean.

Embark on a sensory adventure as you sample a diverse array of meze dishes, each meticulously crafted to tantalize your taste buds and evoke the essence of Cyprus. From succulent grilled halloumi cheese and crispy calamari drizzled with lemon to hearty lamb kebabs seasoned with aromatic spices, our menu showcases the finest culinary treasures of the island.

Accompanied by warm, freshly baked bread and a selection of dips including creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, and smoky baba ganoush, every bite invites you to savor the unique blend of flavors that define Cypriot cuisine.

Whether you're sharing a meal with loved ones or discovering the magic of Cyprus for the first time, our Cyprus Meze experience promises an unforgettable culinary voyage that captures the spirit of the Mediterranean. Join us and let your senses be transported to the sun-kissed shores of this enchanting island.

Here's a recipe for a traditional Cyprus Meze featuring a variety of small dishes, including dips, salads, and grilled meats:

Cyprus Meze Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dips:

Hummus:

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tzatziki:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Baba Ganoush:

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salads:

Greek Salad:

• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tabouleh:

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup diced tomato
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grilled Meats:

Lamb Kebabs:

• 1 pound lamb, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Grilled Halloumi:

• 8 slices halloumi cheese

Instructions:

Prepare the Dips:

1- For the hummus, blend the chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2- For the tzatziki, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3- For the baba ganoush, roast the eggplant in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes or until tender. Scoop out the flesh and mash it with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Prepare the Salads:

1- For the Greek salad, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.

2- For the tabouleh, soak the bulgur wheat in hot water for about 20 minutes or until tender. Drain any excess water and fluff the bulgur with a fork. Add the parsley, mint, cucumber, tomato, red onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Prepare the Grilled Meats:

1- For the lamb kebabs, marinate the cubed lamb, onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper for at least 1 hour. Thread the marinated ingredients onto skewers and grill until cooked to your desired doneness.

2- For the grilled halloumi, heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown grill marks form.'

Serve the Meze:

1- Arrange the dips, salads, and grilled meats on a large platter or individual plates.

2- Serve the Cyprus Meze with warm pita bread or crusty bread slices.

3- Enjoy the array of flavors and textures as you savor this traditional Cypriot feast!

This Cyprus Meze recipe offers a delightful assortment of small dishes that showcase the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Adjust the ingredients and quantities according to your preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy your culinary journey through Cyprus!

Nutritional Value:

Below is a list of ingredients commonly found in a Cyprus Meze, along with their approximate nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on factors such as portion size and specific ingredients used.

Dips:

Hummus:

Chickpeas:

• Calories: 135
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fat: 2g

benefits:

• Excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as folate, manganese, and iron.
• May help improve digestion and promote satiety.

Tahini:

• Calories: 89
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 8g

Olive Oil:

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 14g

Lemon Juice:

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits: Tahini (Hummus, Baba Ganoush):

• Good source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats.
• Provides essential minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.
• Supports heart health and may help lower cholesterol levels.

Tzatziki:

Greek Yogurt:

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 5g

Cucumber:

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 0g

Garlic:

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g

Olive Oil:

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 14g

benefits: Greek Yogurt (Tzatziki):

• High in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains probiotics that support gut health and digestion.
• Rich in calcium, necessary for bone health and strength.

Baba Ganoush:

Eggplant:

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 0g

Tahini:

• (nutritional values same as in Hummus)

Olive Oil:

• (nutritional values same as in Hummus)

Lemon Juice:

• (nutritional values same as in Hummus)

benefits: Tahini (Hummus, Baba Ganoush):

• Good source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats.
• Provides essential minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.
• Supports heart health and may help lower cholesterol levels.

Salads:

Greek Salad:

Tomatoes:

• Calories: 22
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 0g

Cucumber:

• (nutritional values same as in Tzatziki)

Red Onion:

• Calories: 12
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 0g

Kalamata Olives:

• Calories: 40
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 4g

Feta Cheese:

• Calories: 100
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 8g

Olive Oil:

• (nutritional values same as in Hummus)

benefits: Greek Yogurt (Tzatziki):

• High in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains probiotics that support gut health and digestion.
• Rich in calcium, necessary for bone health and strength.

Grilled Meats:

Souvlaki (Pork Kebabs):

Pork:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 16g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
• Provides conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have health benefits including reduced inflammation and improved body composition.

Grilled Halloumi:

Halloumi Cheese:

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 32g

benefits:

• Good source of calcium and phosphorus, important for bone health.
• Provides protein and fat, helping to increase feelings of fullness.
• Offers essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and zinc.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific recipes and serving sizes.