Vegetarian Meze

Meet at: Arabica Bar & Kitchen, 3 Rochester Walk, London, SE1 9AF

Class Type: Hands on

Meze, sometimes spelt Mezze, is derived from the Arabic word t’maza, meaning ‘to savour in little bites’. It’s the ultimate sharing food. Each small dish provides a different taste and textural sensation, making the experience of eating healthy food a constant, joyous adventure.

Your guide on this culinary adventure will be self taught chef and founder of Arabica, James Walters.

The format:

The morning will start with a welcome breakfast served with Turkish Coffee at Arabica Bar & Kitchen.

Followed by a whistle stop tour of the market, where James will pick up some seasonal produce from a handful of their favourite stalls to be incorporated into the cooking session.

Then its off to The Cookhouse which overlooks the buzzing Market, where you will produce an array of seasonal meze dishes featuring some of Arabica's larder essentials like Wild Sumac, Tahini, Pomegranate molasses, Roasted cumin and Za'atar.

The day concludes with an informal meal, enjoying the food you’ve cooked, served with Lebanese wine, baklawa pastries and fresh mint tea.

Example Recipes:

Hummus Beiruti- A chilli spiked, cumin dusted take on Britain's most popular dip

Moutabel - Smoked aubergine with stoneground tahini

Cheese Borek - Crisp, filo pastries filled with akawi cheese, nigella seeds, parsley

Mjedderah - Lentils and cracked bulgar wheat topped with crispy onions served with minted yogurt sauce

Fattoush salad - Seasonal leaves, full flavoured tomatoes, fragrant baby Lebenese cucumber, radish, spring onion, parsley, mint, Za'atar croutons finished with a pomegranate dressing