Turkish Ezme Recipe
Turkish Ezme is a vibrant and refreshing mezze salad made from finely chopped fresh vegetables mixed with flavorful spices, olive oil, and lemon juice. Its tangy, spicy taste and crunchy texture make it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, kebabs, or as a zesty side dish to any Mediterranean meal.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Turkish, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
- 1 tsp sumac
- Chop Vegetables: Finely chop the tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Chop the white onion, green and red bell peppers just as finely and add them to the tomatoes for a uniform texture.
- Add Garlic and Parsley: Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the fresh parsley. Add both to the bowl with the vegetables, stirring gently to combine the fresh flavors evenly.
- Mix Seasonings: Add the tomato paste, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well integrated and the salad is evenly dressed.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop before serving.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a mezze appetizer, flavorful sauce, or fresh salad to complement meats, bread, or other dishes.
Notes
- Green bell pepper adds a slight bitterness and crunch; you can adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Use firm and fresh tomatoes to ensure the salad holds texture and doesn’t get watery.
- Refrigeration helps the flavors blend but avoid leaving it too long to maintain the fresh crunchiness.
- Aleppo pepper imparts a mild heat and fruity flavor; substitute with mild chili flakes if unavailable.
Keywords: Turkish Ezme, Turkish salad, mezze, Mediterranean salad, tomato salad, fresh salad, no-cook recipe, appetizer