Mezze magic

Low-maintenance plates packed with punchy flavours? We’ve sorted your midweek eating schedule with these five easy-to-pull-together summer suppers

By Sami Tamimi Serves 4 | Prep 20 mins | Cook 30 mins 2 x 400g tins of chickpeas, drained and rinsed4 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling¾ tsp smoked paprika¾ tsp dried chilli flakes¾ tsp sweet pa

Freshen up mealtimes with our filling, but lighter mains

Greek food sings of the summer — it’s best enjoyed outside, from mainland mountaintops to island beaches. Mezze spreads celebrate punchy purple olives, garlicky dips and herb-sprinkled cheese, while salads of sun-ripened tomatoes, tangy feta and fragrant oregano are perfect with just-landed grilled fish or slow-stewed legumes cooked in outdoor ovens following recipes that date back to antiquity. From Macedonia in the north to Crete in the south, we explore the country via its standout dishes

Originally a Persian word, which eventually became escabeche in Spain, sikbaj literally means cooking in an acidic mixture, namely vinegar. Mackerel is extensively preserved on the west coast of India

PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes COOKING TIME 10 minutes SERVES 2 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 2 Clarence Court hen eggs ✔ 2 tbsp sesame seeds ✔ handful cherry tomatoes ✔ 2 spring onions ✔ 1 ripe avocado ✔ ½ lime, zest