The Meze Platter from Uni Kebab features a vibrant assortment of creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, smoky baba ganoush, fresh sliced cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and warm pita bread, offering a colorful and flavorful Mediterranean appetizer perfect for sharing.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Garlic press
- Food processor
- Serving platter
- Spatula
- Spoon
- Small ramekins or bowls (for dips)
- Bread knife
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 lemons
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large eggplant
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- 1 package pita bread
Fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and cucumbers significantly impact the authentic flavor and presentation of the Meze Platter. Using extra-virgin olive oil and fresh garlic rather than pre-minced alternatives ensures the depth and richness characteristic of Mediterranean dishes. When preparing baba ganoush, roasting the eggplant until it's tender and smoky is crucial for achieving the proper texture and flavor. Incorporate fresh dill and red wine vinegar into the tzatziki to maintain its aromatic and tangy profile. Your Meze Platter copycat menu should highlight these quality components to recreate the vibrant and flavorful experience of Uni Kebab's offering.
Instructions
- Drain and rinse chickpeas.
- Juice lemons.
- Peel 4 cloves garlic.
- Prepare hummus:
- In food processor, combine chickpeas, 1/4 cup tahini, juice of 1 lemon, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- Roast eggplant for baba ganoush:
- Prick eggplant with fork.
- Roast at 425°F (220°C) until soft (30–40 min).
- Cool, then scoop out flesh.
- Prepare baba ganoush:
- In food processor, combine eggplant flesh, 1 clove garlic, 1 tbsp tahini, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- Grate 1/2 cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid.
- Prepare tzatziki:
- In mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped), 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well.
- Wash and slice ripe tomatoes.
- Wash and slice English cucumber.
- Warm pita bread in oven or on skillet; cut into wedges.
- Arrange hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki in small ramekins or bowls.
- Place ramekins on serving platter.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes and cucumbers around dips.
- Add pita wedges to platter.
- Drizzle olive oil on dips if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Meze Platter from Uni Kebab copycat menu combines creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, smoky baba ganoush, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread for a balanced Mediterranean appetizer. If you don't have a food processor, a blender or an immersion blender can effectively puree ingredients like chickpeas and eggplant. Fresh dill in tzatziki can be substituted with mint or parsley for a different herbal flavor while maintaining freshness. When Greek yogurt is unavailable, use plain yogurt strained through a cheesecloth to achieve similar thickness and tang. Ensure pita bread is warmed before serving to enhance its softness and flavor, using an oven or skillet if a grill is not available.
Tips
Make sure to thoroughly drain and rinse chickpeas before processing to avoid watery hummus. When roasting the eggplant, use a fork to prick the skin to prevent bursting and ensure even cooking. For tzatziki, grate the cucumber finely and squeeze out excess moisture to keep the dip thick and creamy. Warm your pita bread just before serving to retain its softness, enhancing your platter's overall presentation and taste.
Nutritions
The Meze Platter offers a nutrient-rich Mediterranean experience, providing high fiber from chickpeas and eggplant, essential for healthy digestion. Rich in plant-based protein and healthy fats, particularly from tahini and extra-virgin olive oil, it supports heart health and sustained energy. Greek yogurt adds calcium and probiotics, beneficial for bone health and gut balance. You'll enjoy a wholesome balance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and dill, enhancing overall immune function.
Storage
Store leftover dips like hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Keep sliced vegetables and pita bread separate in sealed containers or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent sogginess. Your platter will stay vibrant and delicious when components are stored properly and served chilled or at room temperature.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute roasted red peppers for eggplant in baba ganoush to achieve a sweeter, smokier flavor while maintaining its creamy texture. For a dairy-free tzatziki alternative, replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and add a dash of lemon juice for tanginess. Try warming pita bread directly on an open flame or grill for a slightly charred, authentic taste and soft texture. Incorporate chopped kalamata olives or roasted pine nuts as garnish on dips to enhance Mediterranean flavors and add crunch.
Allergies
The Meze Platter from Uni Kebab includes ingredients such as chickpeas, tahini, garlic, Greek yogurt, and pita bread, which may trigger allergies in individuals sensitive to legumes, sesame seeds, dairy, or gluten. People with nut or seed allergies should be cautious due to the presence of tahini, a sesame seed paste. Make sure to check your specific allergies before enjoying this Mediterranean appetizer to avoid any adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Meze Platter from Uni Kebab restaurant offers a rich variety of authentic Mediterranean flavors, including creamy hummus, tangy tzatziki, and perfectly spiced falafel, creating a balanced and satisfying tasting experience. Its fresh ingredients and expertly crafted dips deliver a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that make it a standout menu item. You can recreate this delicious platter at home to enjoy a gourmet spread that's both nutritious and ideal for sharing. Copycat versions allow food enthusiasts to experiment with traditional recipes while capturing the essence of Uni Kebab's celebrated meze.