Turkish Ezme Recipe

Introduction

Turkish Ezme is a vibrant, fresh salad bursting with bold flavors from ripe tomatoes, peppers, and a blend of spices. This versatile mezze is perfect as a appetizer or a zesty accompaniment to grilled meats and bread.

Ingredients

• 3 large tomatoes (firm and fresh)
• 1 medium white onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 lemon (juice of)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
• 1 tsp sumac

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the tomatoes very finely and place them in a bowl. Chop the onion and both bell peppers very finely as well, then add them to the tomatoes.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped parsley to the chopped vegetables and stir to combine thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Add the tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac to the vegetable mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the ezme for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled as a mezze, salad, or sauce alongside your favorite dishes.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, firm tomatoes to ensure a good texture and vibrant flavor in the salad.
• Green bell pepper can be substituted with a mild hot pepper for extra kick if you prefer more heat.
• Adjust the amount of Aleppo pepper and sumac to suit your taste preferences.
• For a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of Aleppo pepper.

Storage

Store the ezme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again. It is best enjoyed fresh but can be served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Turkish Ezme in advance?

Yes, you can prepare ezme a few hours ahead or the day before. Refrigeration allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it taste even better.

What can I serve with Turkish Ezme?

Ezme pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, kebabs, fresh bread, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus and other dips.

Turkish Ezme Recipe

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4.8 from 74 reviews

Turkish Ezme is a vibrant, fresh mezze made from finely chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices. This tangy and spicy salad is traditionally served as a flavorful side dish or a dip that complements kebabs, grilled meats, and pita bread perfectly, bringing a refreshing burst of zest to any meal.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 3 large firm and fresh tomatoes
• 1 medium white onion
• 1 green bell pepper (see notes)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Seasonings and Oil

• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 lemon, juice of
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
• 1 tsp sumac

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Finely chop the tomatoes, white onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Place the chopped tomatoes in a bowl, then add the chopped onions and peppers to the same bowl.
2. Add garlic and parsley: Mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the fresh parsley. Add both to the mixed vegetables and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Mix in seasonings and oil: Add the tomato paste, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac to the bowl with vegetables. Stir thoroughly ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Refrigerate and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ezme for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a mezze, sauce, or salad alongside your favorite dishes.

Notes

• For a milder flavor, you can substitute the green bell pepper with a sweeter variety or omit it if preferred.
• Use firm, fresh tomatoes to ensure the salad has a nice texture and does not become too watery.
• The Aleppo pepper adds a mild heat and fruity flavor; if unavailable, a pinch of mild chili flakes can be used as a substitute.
• Ezme keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.

Keywords: Turkish Ezme, Turkish salad, mezze recipe, tomato salad, Turkish appetizers, no-cook Turkish recipe, fresh tomato dip