Dal Wada To Litti; An Indian Twist To The Mezze Platter

Culinary traditions have a remarkable way of transcending borders and inspiring creativity across cultures. One such delightful fusion is the Indian adaptation of the Middle Eastern mezze platter. The mezze platter, a traditional assortment of small, flavourful dishes, has found its place on Indian tables, giving rise to a unique blend of flavours and textures.

In this article, we delve into the origins and components of a traditional mezze platter, and then explore the Indian substitutions that add a distinct touch to this culinary ensemble. By incorporating Indian delicacies like Litti Chokha and Dal Wada in place of Baba Ganoush and Falafels, we celebrate the harmonious marriage of two vibrant culinary traditions.

Read Also: Quiz: Mezze-merizing flavours!

The Essence of Mezze:

Originating from the Middle East, mezze refers to a selection of small, flavourful dishes that are typically served as appetizers or part of a larger meal. Mezze is meant to be shared and enjoyed with family and friends, encouraging a convivial dining experience. The components of a traditional mezze platter vary across the Middle East but often include:

1. Hummus: A creamy and velvety dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Baba Ganoush: A smoky eggplant dip prepared by roasting eggplant and mixing it with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Falafel: Deep-fried patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, seasoned with herbs and spices.
4. Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad made with bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, and olive oil.
5. Feta Cheese: A brined white cheese with a tangy and salty flavour, often crumbled and served as a part of the mezze platter.

While the traditional mezze platter has its unique charm, the Indian adaptation introduces local flavours and culinary treasures that seamlessly blend with the spirit of mezze. Let's explore a few notable Indian substitutions:

Litti Chokha, a popular dish from the Indian state of Bihar, takes centre stage as an alternative to Baba Ganoush. Litti, a savoury dough ball, is made from roasted gram flour (sattu), wheat flour, and a blend of spices. It is traditionally baked over coal or in a clay oven until golden and crisp. Chokha, a spicy mashed vegetable relish, accompanies the litti. It typically includes roasted eggplant (baingan), mashed potatoes, tomatoes, onions, green chilies, and a medley of spices.

The smoky flavour and creamy texture of the roasted eggplant in Chokha provide a reminiscent note of Baba Ganoush. The earthy sattu-based litti, combined with the tangy and spicy chokha, creates a delightful fusion of flavours that pays homage to both the Middle Eastern dip and the Indian culinary heritage.

Dal Wada, a popular snack from various regions of India, takes the place of falafel in the Indian adaptation of the mezze platter. Dal Wada, also known as Lentil Fritters, is made from soaked and ground lentils mixed with spices like cumin, coriander, ginger, and green chilies. The batter is then deep-fried until crispy and golden.

The substitution of Dal Wada in place of falafel adds a unique Indian twist to the mezze platter. The crispy texture and aromatic spices of the Dal Wada offer a delightful contrast to the other components of the platter. The lentils used in the wada provide a rich source of protein, making it a nutritious addition to the ensemble.

Aloo Tikki, a popular street food snack in India, can be an excellent substitution for falafel in the Indian adaptation of the mezze platter. These flavourful potato patties are made by boiling and mashing potatoes and mixing them with an assortment of spices such as cumin, coriander, red chili powder, and garam masala. The mixture is then shaped into round patties and shallow-fried until golden and crispy.

The Aloo Tikki adds a delightful texture and a burst of flavours to the mezze platter. The crisp exterior of the tikki gives way to a soft and creamy potato interior, making it a delectable accompaniment. Serve it with tangy tamarind chutney and refreshing mint chutney to elevate the taste.

Paneer Tikka, a beloved Indian appetizer, offers a fantastic vegetarian alternative to the meat-based kebabs traditionally found in a mezze platter. Paneer, a firm and mild Indian cottage cheese, is marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture, skewered with colourful bell peppers and onions, and grilled or baked until slightly charred.

The Paneer Tikka brings a delightful combination of smoky flavours and creamy texture to the mezze platter. The charred edges of the paneer and the grilled vegetables add a delicious depth to the ensemble. Serve it with mint chutney or a zesty lemon and coriander dip to complement the flavors.

To create a harmonious mezze platter with Indian adaptations, it's essential to consider the accompaniments that enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. Raita: A creamy yogurt-based dip with finely chopped cucumber, mint, and roasted cumin powder can provide a cooling and refreshing element to balance the spiciness of the mezze platter. The cool and tangy flavours of the raita complement the warm and robust flavours of the Aloo Tikki and Paneer Tikka.
2. Tamarind Chutney: A tangy and slightly sweet chutney made from tamarind pulp, jaggery or sugar, and spices like cumin and black salt. It adds a burst of tanginess and complements the flavours perfectly.
3. Mint Chutney: A vibrant and aromatic chutney made from fresh mint leaves, coriander, green chilies, lemon juice, and spices. Its refreshing and zesty flavours provide a contrast to the rich and savoury components of the mezze platter.
4. Assorted Pickles: Including a selection of traditional Indian pickles like mango pickle, lemon pickle, or mixed vegetable pickle can add a punch of tanginess and enhance the overall flavour profile of the mezze platter.

This Indian adaptation of the Middle Eastern mezze platter showcases the culinary creativity and fusion of flavours that bridge cultures. By substituting traditional Middle Eastern components like falafel and baba ganoush with Indian delicacies like Aloo Tikki and Paneer Tikka, we bring a unique twist to the mezze experience. 

Accompanied by cooling raita, tangy chutneys, and assorted pickles, this fusion feast becomes a celebration of diverse tastes and a delightful culinary journey that highlights the richness of both Middle Eastern and Indian gastronomy.