Bowls of sauces, spreads, and other small plates are down right sexy. Much like online dating apps in which you swipe left or swipe right, there is energy and excitement with very little commitment. Flirting with food as a way of restaurant dining has of course roots in Spain's Andalusian region, but has manifested into a  trend worldwide. With a history of sharing small plates dating back at least as far as the Ottoman Empire, it wasn't until about the same time that Tinder reinvented dating in America that sharing plates became a restaurant phenomenon. With the current state of affairs preventing many from dating or dining out, preparing small plates at home is a refreshing way to dine in. Greek meze platters, are easy, flavorful, and fun shared plates. This recipe has the added benefit of tableside entertainment:  bring all the ingredients to the table and mix in front of friends or family for dining out experience at home - so good, it most definitely will be invited back for a second date.

cuisine Greek
difficulty Simple
season Year Round
serves 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt, full fat
  • 1/2 cup shredded English cucumber, peel included
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons garlic, chopped
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Pita bread
  • Za'atar
  • Sea salt flakes

Directions

  1. Place all of the ingredients together in order into a bowl. 
  2. Stir vigorously. 
  3. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days
  4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  5. Brush the pita tops and bottoms with olive oil.
  6. Sprinkle with za'atar and finish with a bit of sea salt flakes. Use a pizza wheel to cut the pita into wedges.
  7. Bake in the oven until golden and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.