All the Middle Eastern dishes you need to celebrate Aladdin’s premiere
By Louis Skye
Mena Massoud is Aladdin and Naomi Scott is Jasmine in Disney’s live-action ALADDIN, directed by Guy Ritchie.
Mezze
Mezze, which means small plate, is synonymous with Middle Eastern food—and with Aladdin—so you can’t possibly have a meal without it! This appetizer platter is meant to be shared among friends and family, with everyone digging in and helping themselves while discussing everything from the weather to what’s happening at work.
The mezze platter is a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors that dance on your palette in a way that would make even the Genie proud. You have the greens of the olives, the dolmas (stuffed vine leaves), the marinated artichoke hearts, tabbouleh (a salad made from finely chopped parsley and mint), as well as the fattoush (a salad made from mixed greens and toasted pieces of the flatbread, khubz).
Then you have the splash of reds from the tomatoes in the fattoush and tabbouleh, the multi-coloured roasted pita bread slices, and the pink of the pomegranate seeds sprinkled liberally over the dishes like the glittering jewels adorning Jasmine. Throw in a hint of black with the kalamata olives, the brown of the kibbeh (minced meat balls), the white of the feta or haloumi cheese, and you have yourself a mezze to dance for!
The flavors of the mezze platter are a mix of tangy, sour, and sweet, a delectable amalgamation that will make every part of your tongue happy.