Turkish Ezme Recipe

Introduction

Ezme is a vibrant Turkish salad bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and bold spices. This zesty and refreshing dish is perfect as a mezze, a side salad, or a flavorful sauce to accompany grilled meats.

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 the green and red 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.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled as mezze, a sauce, or fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili.
• If Aleppo pepper is unavailable, substitute with a mild chili powder or paprika for a similar flavor.
• Use very fresh, firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. Grape or cherry tomatoes can be finely chopped as an alternative.
• Adding a splash of pomegranate molasses can add a subtle sweetness and tangy depth.

Storage

Store Ezme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best enjoyed fresh, but if stored, stir well before serving. Avoid freezing, as the vegetables will lose their texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Ezme in advance?

Yes, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. It can be prepared a few hours ahead but is best enjoyed fresh within 2 days.

What can I serve with Ezme?

Ezme pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, kebabs, pita bread, or as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus and baba ganoush.

Turkish Ezme Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

Turkish Ezme is a vibrant, fresh mezze salad made with finely chopped tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, seasoned with a blend of zesty spices, lemon juice, and olive oil. This no-cook recipe is perfect as a tangy accompaniment to grilled meats, a refreshing dip, or a flavorful salad, offering a delicious taste of traditional Turkish cuisine.

• Author: Mia
• 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 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)

Seasonings and Extras

• 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. Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop the tomatoes, ensuring they are firm and fresh for the best texture. In a bowl, add the chopped tomatoes. Next, finely chop the white onion and both the green and red bell peppers, then add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
2. Add Garlic and Parsley: Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the parsley. Add both to the vegetables in the bowl and stir well to combine evenly.
3. Mix in Seasonings: Add the tomato paste, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac to the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well blended and the ingredients are uniformly mixed.
4. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Ezme salad for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled as a mezze, salad, or a flavorful sauce alongside your main course.

Notes

• Green bell pepper can be substituted with mild or sweet peppers depending on your taste preference.
• Refrigeration enhances the flavor, but avoid storing for more than 24 hours for freshness.
• Serve Ezme as a dip with pita bread or as a side dish to grilled meats and kebabs.
• Aleppo pepper can be replaced with crushed red pepper flakes if unavailable.

Keywords: Turkish ezme, ezme salad, Turkish salad, Turkish mezze, no-cook salad, tomato salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad