Hibeş — Antalya Tahini and Lemon Meze

Hibeş is Antalya’s bold tahini meze: nutty, lemony, garlicky, and warmly spiced with cumin and red pepper. Unlike hummus, it contains no chickpeas.

SERVES 4–6 | PREP 10 MIN

INGREDIENTS

• 200 g tahini

• 100–130 ml fresh lemon juice

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1½ tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp sweet paprika or pul biber

• ½ tsp salt

• 80–120 ml ice-cold water

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• Parsley and pul biber, to finish

METHOD

1. Whisk the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt. It will tighten at first.

2. Add ice water a spoonful at a time, whisking until pale, smooth, and thick enough to hold soft swirls.

3. Taste and balance with more lemon or salt.

4. Spread on a shallow plate, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish.

5. Serve with warm bread, raw vegetables, or grilled fish.

REGIONAL NOTE

Hibeş belongs especially to Antalya and the western Mediterranean table. Its defining flavor is tahini, generous lemon, garlic, and cumin.