CLASSIC CHICKPEA AND SESAME SEED SPREAD
ROASTED RED PEPPER–WALNUT SPREAD
WARM CHICKPEA-PITA-CHIP-DIP BOWL
POTATO, BULGUR, AND HERB SPREAD
LEBANESE STEAK AND BULGUR WHEAT TARTARE
Mezza, PRONOUNCED MAH-ZAH, IS A UNIQUELY MIDDLE EASTERN course, and the way every Lebanese meal begins: with a variety of small dishes and bites—we were doing “small plates” way before it was a trend! My favorite thing about mezza is the many tastes you experience at the same time, from luscious, flavorful dips like Hummus b Tahini (Classic Chickpea and Sesame Seed Spread), Mouhamarah, (Roasted Red Pepper–Walnut Spread), and Kibbeh Batata (Potato-Bulgur-Herb Spread) to crunchy pickled veggies, Khoudra wa Kabis, and our unique take on steak tartare, Kibbeh Nayeh. Served with heaps of fresh baked pocket bread, mezza is the perfect start to a meal; with everyone gathered around the many plates, swapping news, conversation, and mouthfuls. Mezza is just as much a course as a social hour in our culture—we Lebanese love to linger over many hours of colorful conversation, good company, and, of course, food! In my selection of Taboulie-approved mezza, there’s something for absolutely everyone, no matter your age, hunger level, or dietary preferences! Santein! To your health and happiness!