Turkish Ezme Recipe

Introduction

Turkish Ezme is a vibrant, tangy salad packed with fresh vegetables and bold spices. This refreshing mezze is perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or as a flavorful dip. Its bright, zesty flavors make it a staple in Turkish cuisine.

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 onions 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 vegetables and stir to combine thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Mix in the tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly blended.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a mezze, sauce, or salad alongside your favorite dishes.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more Aleppo pepper.
• Use roasted bell peppers for a smokier flavor.
• Serve with warm pita bread or crispy crackers for a delightful appetizer.

Storage

Store ezme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving and enjoy it cold or at room temperature. It’s best eaten fresh to maintain the brightness of the ingredients.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make ezme ahead of time?

Yes, ezme can be prepared a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Refrigerate until ready to serve for the best taste.

What can I substitute for Aleppo pepper?

If Aleppo pepper is unavailable, use mild chili flakes or paprika to add a similar mild heat and color.

Turkish Ezme Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

Turkish Ezme is a zesty, finely chopped vegetable salad that combines fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers with bold seasonings like sumac and Aleppo pepper. This refreshing mezze is packed with vibrant flavors, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or as a spicy topping for bread. Quick to prepare and deliciously healthy, Ezme showcases the best of Turkish cuisine in a simple, fresh dish.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

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

Seasonings & Extras

• 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. Chop Vegetables: Finely chop the tomatoes, white onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Transfer them to a medium-sized bowl to create a uniform base for the salad.
2. Add Garlic and Parsley: Mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the fresh parsley. Add both to the bowl with the chopped vegetables and gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
3. Mix in Seasonings: Incorporate the tomato paste, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac into the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the flavors meld together.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ezme for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and meld nicely. Serve chilled as a mezze, salad, or a spicy complement to your meal.

Notes

• Green bell pepper is preferred for its mild flavor; you can substitute with a mild chili if you prefer extra heat.
• Ensure the tomatoes are firm to avoid excess liquid and keep the ezme texture slightly chunky and fresh.
• Refrigerating enhances the flavors but can be served immediately if needed.
• Adjust the amount of Aleppo pepper to increase or decrease spiciness according to your preference.

Keywords: Turkish Ezme, Ezme Salad, Turkish Salad, Mezze, Spicy Vegetable Salad, Sumac Salad, Healthy Turkish Recipe