Mezzes: A Culinary Journey
Mezze, this dessert composed of small tasty dishes, calls for conviviality and sharing, originating from the Middle East. It is a tradition of culinary richness and variety, extending from Greece to Iran, via Lebanon and Turkey. Coming from the Arabic "mazza", meaning "tasty in small portions", the word "mezze" could be interpreted as participating in a philosophy of conviviality and diversity, all this reflected in its palette of tastes, textures and colors offered to the guests.
The Evolution and Worldwide Popularity of Mezzes
Historically, mezzes were linked to a sense of welcome and hospitality, providing guests with an opportunity to express their generosity by presenting dishes ranging from simple to very rich. For this reason, this tradition has been exported well beyond its original borders, adapting its recipes to local tastes, sometimes incorporating new ingredients. Today, mezzes are loved around the world, proving that they can bring people together not only around the table but also around their respective cultural traditions.
Our Black Garlic BBQ Spices:
An Invitation to Travel Our black garlic BBQ spice takes up the tradition of sharing and discovery with all its layers of flavor. Made from black garlic grown and aged on our land, it offers a very special umami taste with notes of dark chocolate, balsamic vinegar and candied figs.
It's suitable for everything — our blend of black garlic, cumin, maple sugar, chili powder, paprika, sea salt, black pepper and coriander can make almost any dish worthy of a trip around the world.
Whether that means kicking up a simple mezze or adding elegance to a more complex dish, our Black Garlic BBQ spices will inspire taste experiments that salute the adventurous spirit of mezze cooking. These tastes are the mirrors of the richness and diversity, which are given to us by our food models. All tastes remind us that the journey into the kitchen is a constant discovery of new sensations, shared experiences, and a generously stocked table. This is a fairly subtle recipe full of flavor, which is sure to amaze all your guests at the table. This mezze, bringing the subtlety of labneh, with its subtlety, and the crunch of cauliflower and richness of mushrooms — enhances it with the depth of our black garlic BBQ spices. Perfect for a convivial meal or as a starter on a special evening.
| 🔍 Information | Details |
|---|---|
| ⏱️ Preparation time | 35 minutes |
| 🍳 Cooking time | 15 to 20 minutes |
| ⏲️ Total time | 50 to 55 minutes |
| 🔧 Difficulty level | Intermediate |
| 🍽️ Servings | 4 people |
| 🔥 Calories (approximate) | 450 kcal per person |
Ingredients for 4 persons :
- 1 cauliflower, cut into small florets
- Olive oil
- Black Garlic BBQ Spices
- A handful of fresh or dried and rehydrated chanterelles (or other variety of mushrooms)
- 1 finely chopped green onion (or French shallot)
- 8-10 pieces of dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
- 8-10 large whole green olives (or other types of olives)
- Pine nuts for finishing
- 400g labneh (cold-pressed yogurt), approximately 100g per person
Instructions :
Serve this delicious mezze to your guests and prepare to receive compliments for this explosion of flavors. Enjoy your food !
Q: Can another type of mushroom be used if chanterelles are not available?
A: Absolutely, oyster mushrooms or button mushrooms can be great alternatives to chanterelles, offering an equally delicious texture and flavor.
Q: Is it possible to substitute another ingredient for labneh?
A: Yes, for a lighter version, you can use strained Greek yogurt or cream cheese like ricotta, although labneh adds a characteristic creaminess and acidity.
Q: What are the benefits of black garlic used in BBQ spices?
A: Black garlic is rich in antioxidants and is known for its health-promoting properties, including improving blood circulation and reducing cholesterol levels.
Q: How do you rehydrate dried chanterelles?
A: Immerse the dried chanterelles in lukewarm water for 10 minutes, or until they regain a soft texture. Then drain them and squeeze them gently to remove excess water before cooking.
Q: Can this recipe be made in advance?
A: The roasted cauliflower and mushroom mixture can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving. However, for a better taste experience, it is advisable to plate the plates with fresh labneh when serving.
Q: Is there a wine suggestion to pair with this mezze?
A: A dry, fruity white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, will complement the umami flavors and richness of this dish wonderfully.
Q: Can protein be added to this recipe to make it a main dish?
A: Certainly, adding strips of grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp can turn this mezze into a complete and flavorful meal.