Ep 4. Mezze on My Mind

Aarti Party season 3 episode 4, "Mezze on My Mind," is a journey into the flavors of the Middle East. Aarti starts off by introducing the concept of mezze, a style of eating small plates and appetizers commonly found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. She then dives into making her own version of classic mezze dishes, starting with a simple yet flavorful hummus recipe.

Next up is her take on baba ghanoush, a roasted eggplant dip that pairs perfectly with pita bread. Aarti roasts the eggplant in her oven, adding a smoky flavor that complements the tangy tahini and lemon juice in the dip. She also whips up a quick and easy cucumber and yogurt dip called tzatziki, which is perfect for dipping veggies or serving as a sauce for grilled meats.

Moving on to heartier dishes, Aarti shows how to make spiced lamb kofta kebabs, a popular meat dish in many Middle Eastern cultures. She mixes ground lamb with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, then shapes them into skewers and grills them until they're juicy and tender. To go alongside the kebabs, she also prepares a tomato and onion salad with a zesty dressing made from sumac, a tangy spice often used in Middle Eastern cuisine.

Finally, Aarti wraps up the mezze feast with a sweet treat: baklava. This classic Mediterranean pastry is made with layers of phyllo dough, honey, and nuts, resulting in a flaky, crunchy dessert that's perfect for sharing. Aarti's version swaps out traditional walnuts for pistachios, adding a pop of color and flavor to the pastry.

Throughout the episode, Aarti explains the origins and cultural significance of each dish, as well as tips for how to serve and enjoy mezze-style dining with friends and family. With her vibrant personality and easy-to-follow recipes, Aarti makes it easy to bring a taste of the Middle East into your own kitchen. So whether you're hosting a party or just want to try something new for dinner, "Mezze on My Mind" is a must-watch episode for anyone looking to explore the delicious flavors of mezze.