Pine Forest Winter Mezze (View Print Version)

A colorful winter spread with roasted veggies, herbed labneh, marinated mushrooms, and pine nut tapenade on a sharing board.

# What You'll Need:

→ Roasted Vegetables

01 - 2 small beets, peeled and cut into wedges
02 - 1 small fennel bulb, sliced
03 - 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - Salt and pepper, to taste
06 - 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

→ Herbed Labneh

07 - 1½ cups Greek yogurt
08 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
09 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
10 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
11 - ½ tsp salt

→ Marinated Mushrooms

12 - 1 cup cremini mushrooms, quartered
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil
14 - 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Pine Nut & Olive Tapenade

18 - ⅓ cup green olives, pitted and chopped
19 - ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
20 - 1 tbsp capers, rinsed
21 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
22 - 2 tsp lemon zest
23 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Accompaniments

24 - 1 cup baby carrots, raw
25 - ½ cup pickled red onions
26 - ½ cup dried cranberries
27 - ½ cup fresh pomegranate seeds
28 - ½ cup assorted crackers or flatbreads
29 - Sprigs of fresh rosemary and pine (for garnish, not for eating)

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss beets, fennel, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, turning once, until tender and golden. Allow to cool.
02 - Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, parsley, and salt in a bowl. Stir well and transfer to a serving dish. Optionally drizzle with olive oil.
03 - In a bowl, mix cremini mushrooms with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
04 - Combine chopped olives, toasted pine nuts, capers, parsley, lemon zest, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until well incorporated.
05 - Arrange roasted vegetables, herbed labneh, marinated mushrooms, tapenade, raw baby carrots, pickled onions, dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and crackers on a large wooden serving board. Garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary and pine for a woodland effect, ensuring pine sprigs are not consumed.
06 - Serve immediately, inviting guests to combine and savor the array of flavors and textures.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Robust flavors
  • Perfect for cozy gatherings
02 -
  • Use plant-based yogurt to make this vegan.
  • Add smoked cheese or charcuterie for non-vegetarian guests.
03 -
  • Toast pine nuts lightly for enhanced flavor
  • Use fresh herbs for best aroma and taste
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