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 and bold flavors. It’s a perfect mezze dish or a zesty accompaniment to grilled meats and breads. Fresh, tangy, and a little spicy, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to brighten your meal.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a chunky, reddish-brown dip mixed with visible pieces of green herbs and small bits of red and yellow vegetables, giving it a textured and hearty look. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, surrounded by fresh bright green parsley leaves on the right, a sliced red tomato at the top right, and three thin, bright yellow lemon slices with a small green herb sprinkle at the bottom. On the lower right corner, there are pieces of golden-brown bread sprinkled with sesame seeds, resting partially on a white and gray checkered cloth. The whole scene is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit Aleppo pepper and substitute with sweet paprika.
If fresh bell peppers are unavailable, use roasted peppers for a smoky touch.
Adding a splash of pomegranate molasses can deepen the tangy flavor.
Serve with warm pita bread or alongside grilled meats for an authentic experience.

Storage

Store ezme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen over time, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Stir gently before serving. It can be eaten cold or at room temperature, but avoid reheating as it’s meant to be a fresh salad.

How to Serve

A white shallow bowl is filled with a textured dip made of finely chopped red, green, and brown ingredients mixed with herbs, creating a rich, chunky appearance. A piece of golden, crispy bread with a soft inside is dipped into the sauce, held by a woman's hand, picking up a generous scoop of the dip that shows bits of green herbs and red pepper pieces. The background includes blurred red tomatoes, green leafy herbs, and a slice of yellow lemon placed on 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, preparing ezme a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld nicely. Refrigerate until ready to serve and stir well before serving.

What can I substitute for Aleppo pepper?

If Aleppo pepper is unavailable, use a mild chili powder or sweet paprika for a similar effect without too much heat.