Make This Tonight Season 5 Episode 17 Lonely Hearts Mezze

Make This Tonight is a cooking show that offers quick and easy recipes for busy individuals who want to prepare delicious meals at home. In season 5 episode 17 titled "Lonely Hearts Mezze," host Sarah invites viewers to explore the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine through a collection of small plates known as mezze.

The episode opens with Sarah introducing viewers to the concept of mezze, explaining that this traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine involves serving an array of small dishes, typically shared among friends and family. Mezze is a great way to savor different flavors and textures in one meal, and Sarah is excited to showcase some of her favorite mezze recipes that are perfect for a cozy night in.

Sarah begins by preparing a classic hummus, which she describes as the "heart and soul of any mezze platter." She uses canned chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to create a creamy, flavorful dip that can be served with pita bread, vegetables, or crackers. Sarah's tips for achieving the perfect hummus include blending the chickpeas until smooth, adjusting the seasoning to taste, and garnishing with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.

Next, Sarah moves on to one of her favorite mezze dishes, roasted eggplant dip. She starts by roasting a whole eggplant on the grill until it's soft and smoky, then removing the skin and mashing the flesh with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. The result is a silky, dip that is bursting with flavor and perfect for scooping up with crusty bread or crackers.

As Sarah continues to prepare her mezze platter, she highlights the importance of incorporating a variety of textures and flavors. She adds a bowl of zesty marinated olives, slices of tangy feta cheese, and crunchy cucumber spears to the platter, explaining that these elements help to balance out the richness of the dips.

Sarah also shares her recipe for lamb meatballs, which she seasons with Middle Eastern spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. She forms the mixture into small balls and sears them in a hot pan until crispy and golden brown. The meatballs are juicy and succulent with a deep, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cool, creamy dips.

To add a touch of sweetness to the mezze platter, Sarah prepares stuffed dates. She slices open Medjool dates and removes the pits, then fills them with a mixture of goat cheese, honey, and chopped pistachios. The combination of salty and sweet is irresistible, and the soft, chewy dates make the perfect finish to the meal.

Throughout the episode, Sarah offers tips and tricks for making each dish with ease, emphasizing the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients to achieve the best results. She also explains how mezze can be customized to suit individual tastes, with endless variations and possibilities.

As Sarah puts the finishing touches on her mezze platter, she encourages viewers to get creative and experiment with their own mezze combinations at home. Whether entertaining friends or simply enjoying a cozy night in, mezze is a delicious and satisfying way to explore the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.