Name: Turkish Ezme Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Turkish
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

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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

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.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped parsley to the chopped vegetables and stir to combine.
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.
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

The image shows a white bowl filled with a thick, textured sauce that is reddish-brown with visible green herbs and small bits of red and yellow peppers mixed in. The sauce has slight ridges on its surface, suggesting it was spread with a spoon. To the right of the bowl, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley with broad leaves. In the bottom part of the image, three slices of bright yellow lemon with small bits of green herb are arranged slightly overlapping each other. A piece of golden-brown bread with sesame seeds is visible at the bottom right corner, resting on a white and blue striped cloth. The entire setup is placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.