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Turkish Ezme Recipe

4.7 from 60 reviews

Turkish Ezme is a vibrant and refreshing mezze salad made from finely chopped fresh vegetables and herbs mixed with tangy lemon juice, olive oil, and aromatic spices. This versatile dish serves as a perfect appetizer, dip, or side salad, delivering a zesty burst of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Dressings & Spices

  • 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. Place the chopped tomatoes in a bowl, then add the finely 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 bowl with the chopped vegetables and stir everything together to combine evenly.
  3. Mix Dressing and Spices: Add the tomato paste, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac to the vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated and the flavors meld.
  4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld fully. Serve cold as a mezze appetizer, sauce, or side salad to complement your meal.

Notes

  • Use firm, fresh tomatoes to maintain the salad’s texture and avoid excess juice.
  • Optional: For a spicier version, adjust the amount of Aleppo pepper to taste.
  • The green bell pepper can be substituted with a mild chili pepper for a hint of heat.
  • Ezme can be served with warm flatbreads, grilled meats, or as a topping for dishes like kebabs and roasted vegetables.

Keywords: Turkish ezme, Turkish salad, ezme recipe, mezze, tomato salad, Mediterranean appetizer, fresh vegetable salad