Mediterranean Mezze Platter (Serves 4–6)

Mediterranean Mezze Platter (Serves 4–6)

What’s on the platter

• Classic hummus (with olive oil & soft-boiled egg)

• Pan-seared halloumi

• Marinated olives

• Roasted cherry tomatoes

• Spiced roasted potatoes

• Fresh cucumber & lemon

• Warm pita or flatbread

You can make everything ahead and assemble right before serving.

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1️⃣ Creamy Classic Hummus (Centerpiece)

Ingredients

• 1 can (400 g / 15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed

• ¼ cup tahini (well stirred)

• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 3–5 tbsp ice-cold water

• Extra-virgin olive oil (for serving)

• Chopped parsley or dill (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Optional but worth it: Peel the chickpeas (pinch them; skins slide off). Extra smooth hummus.

2. In a food processor, blend tahini + lemon juice for 1 minute until pale and fluffy.

3. Add garlic, cumin, salt. Blend again.

4. Add chickpeas and blend 2–3 minutes until thick.

5. With the processor running, drizzle in cold water until ultra-creamy.

6. Taste and adjust salt/lemon.

To serve:
Spoon into a bowl, make a swirl, drizzle olive oil, sprinkle herbs.
Optional flex: place 1 soft-boiled egg in the center like the photo.

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2️⃣ Pan-Seared Halloumi

Ingredients

• 250 g (9 oz) halloumi cheese

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• Dried oregano or thyme

Instructions

1. Slice halloumi into 1 cm (½-inch) slabs.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high with olive oil.

3. Sear halloumi 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

4. Sprinkle with herbs while hot.

🔥 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan or it won’t brown.

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3️⃣ Herby Marinated Olives

Ingredients

• 1½ cups mixed olives (Kalamata + green work great)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Optional: chili flakes, orange peel, garlic sliver

Instructions

Toss everything together and let marinate at least 15 minutes (overnight = even better).

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4️⃣ Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

• 1½ tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• 1 small garlic clove, sliced

• Fresh parsley (after roasting)

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 200°C / 400°F.

2. Toss tomatoes with oil, salt, pepper, garlic.

3. Roast 18–22 minutes until blistered and juicy.

4. Finish with chopped parsley.

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5️⃣ Spiced Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) baby potatoes, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• Salt & pepper

• Chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Toss potatoes with oil, spices, salt, pepper.

2. Roast at 220°C / 425°F for 30–35 minutes, flipping once.

3. Sprinkle parsley before serving.

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6️⃣ Fresh Crunch Elements

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 1–2 lemons, halved

• Olive oil & dried herbs for drizzling

No cooking needed—this balances all the rich stuff.

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7️⃣ Assembly (The Aesthetic Part ✨)

1. Place hummus in the center of a large board or platter.

2. Arrange items in clusters around it:

   • Halloumi slabs

   • Olives in a small bowl

   • Roasted tomatoes

   • Potatoes

   • Cucumbers & lemon

3. Finish with:

   • Olive oil drizzle

   • Fresh herbs everywhere

   • Warm pita or flatbread on the side

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Make-It-Your-Own Ideas

• Add grilled eggplant or zucchini

• Swap hummus for whipped feta

• Add harissa or chili oil

• Make it vegan: skip halloumi & egg, add falafel