Appetizers, Salads, and Egg Dishes

Greeks frequently invite their friends and relatives to come for a leisurely meze (appetizer) party or for ouzo, the closest equivalent to an invitation for cocktails. At meze parties we offer a selection of dishes, from stuffed vine leaves to fried zucchini or eggplant, from small cheese pies to meatballs. Fried Whitebait, cured or dried mackerel (lakerda or tsiros), Taramosalata (Carp Roe Spread), and Rengosalata (Smoked Herring Spread) are also served as appetizers at home. Unlike the small portions served in tavernas and coffee shops, the meze offered at home at midday are plentiful—enough for each guest to have a full lunch. In fact, during those meze meals most people end up eating much more than they realize.