Addicting Eggplant Meze with Garlic Yogurt

This creamy Eggplant Meze is so tasty! It’s no secret, eggplant is a heavily used vegetable here in Turkey, and for good reason. It’s meaty, has a rich umami flavor, and is a naturally low-carb ingredient.

What MAKES this meze so spectacular is the charred eggplant. Simply throw a whole eggplant over hot coals until completely charged all the way around. If you are unable to throw it over a bed of charcoals, place the eggplant over a flame on your stove until completely charred around. Always rest your eggplant in a Ziploc bag for at least 20 minutes before peeling off the skin.

Tips to Make the Best Eggplant Meze

• Again, as I mentioned above, you’ll want to make sure to use charred eggplant. You can achieve this by either throwing the eggplant directly onto a bed of hot charcoal or over a flame on your stove. Always steep your eggplant before peeling off the skin.
• Use a thick greek-style yogurt. In Turkey, Greek yogurt is called Süzme yogurt—which translates to yogurt without water. This will ensure a nice and thick, scoopable meze dish.
• Add a splash of lemon juice. It really helps add a nice zing.
• Be gernous with herbs and spices. Sprinkle some over the top. Not only will it look appetizing, it will show guests what’s exactly inside this amazing meze.

Swaps and Variations

Are you vegan or simply dairy-free? Feel free to swap the greek yogurt for any unflavored vegan alternative yogurt. If you find that the store-bought vegan yogurt is too thin (not greek-style) try placing a cheesecloth over a strainer, then set the strainer over a bowl. Pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth and watch excess water drip into the bowl.

Add spice. Red chili flakes, roasted jalapeno, or even a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce would be a great addition.

If you don’t want to char your own eggplant, you can buy a jar of roasted eggplant in the Mediterranean section at your local grocery store.

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Addicting Eggplant Meze with Garlic Yogurt

Eggplant meze with charred eggplant, creamy garlic yogurt, and spices. It's gluten-free and easy to make. Enjoy this Mediterranean side with any of your meals.

Author: Ashley Altan Cuisine: Turkish-Inspired Courses: Meze, Vegetarian Recipe Keys: G Gluten Free V Vegetarian Meals

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Prep Time 45 min Total Time 45 mins

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 cup roasted eggplant (skin removed. Or use store-bought roasted eggplant)
• 1 cup full-fat greek yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 lemon (juice of)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried oregano
• paprika (to garnish on top)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the roasted eggplant, yogurt, chopped garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. 

2. Next, transfer to a pasta-style dish. Create dips and swirls with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle oregano and paprika on top for a pretty garnish. 

3. Finally, enjoy this eggplant meze with any of your favorite dipping vehicles. Best served at room temperature or cold from the fridge. 

Keywords: eggplant meze, meze, Mediterranean sides