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Turkish Ezme Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

Turkish Ezme is a vibrant and refreshing mezze salad made from finely chopped fresh tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers, combined with garlic, parsley, and a blend of traditional spices. This cold salad is dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and tomato paste, offering a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and herby flavors. It’s traditionally served as an appetizer or accompaniment to grilled meats and breads in Turkish cuisine.

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)

Seasonings and Dressing

  • 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. Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the tomatoes, white onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Place all chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl to ensure even mixing later.
  2. Add aromatics: Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the fresh parsley. Add these to the bowl with the vegetables, stirring gently to combine their flavors evenly.
  3. Add tomato paste and seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, then add the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a cohesive mixture.
  4. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the ezme for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serve cold as a mezze appetizer, a fresh sauce, or a salad alongside your favorite dishes.

Notes

  • For best texture, chop all vegetables very finely by hand instead of using a food processor.
  • Green bell pepper can be substituted with mild chili for a spicier version.
  • Sumac adds a lemony tang; if unavailable, a little extra lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
  • Ezme can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but is best served fresh.

Keywords: Turkish ezme, Turkish salad, mezze recipe, fresh tomato salad, Turkish appetizer, no-cook salad

Find it online: https://heutigemahlzeiten.com/turkish-ezme-recipe/