That's the modern Arabic way to say "bon appetite!" and it translates to: "May you have your meal with gladness and health!" We'll show you how with a fantastic Lebanese mezze spread of your own.
Lebanese mezze background
All through the Middle East and Mediterranean, folks gather around tables or sit on carpeted floors, laden with little dishes and platters of what we might call appetizers or tapas. From Greece to Lebanon, these bits and bites of olives, savoury pastries, cheeses, salads and preserved veggies are known as mezza -- or mezzah, mezzeh or mezze, depending on the region. Surely the most famous Lebanese dish is the tagine, a stew named after the earthenware pot it is cooked in, but it is generally reserved for more formal feasting.
Throwing a Lebanese mezze party is a welcome change from serving the usual North American or continental fare. A mezze party is a casual, relaxing and highly social event, and sharing a spread of exotic flavours is a sure-fire way to encourage conversation, greasing the wheels -- with olive oil, of course! -- of conviviality and friendship.
From the table setting to the menu, and even what to slide into the CD player, we've got your step-by-step guide to getting your mezze on!
Must-have foods and ingredients of a Lebanese mezze
Here are some of the most important ingredients and foods you'll need to have on hand when throwing a Lebanese mezza. Most are easy to find, some are seasonal and others may require a trip to the nearest international market. Stock your pantry with a few of the most called for items and you'll find yourself spicing up Monday night dinner, too!
Grocery list: Fruits and veggies
• Cucumbers
• Eggplants
• Fresh mint
• Fresh parsley
• Garlic
• Green onions
• Lemons
• Onions
• Oranges
• Peppers
• Pomegranates
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
Page 1 of 4 -- Stock up for your Lebanese mezze party with suggestions for meats, cheeses, sundries and dried foods on page 2
