Name: Turkish Ezme Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 3 large tomatoes (firm and fresh, finely chopped); 1 medium white onion (finely chopped); 1 green bell pepper (finely chopped); 1 red bell pepper (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped); 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

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Introduction

Ezme is a vibrant and refreshing Turkish salad made from finely chopped fresh vegetables and a blend of tangy spices. It’s perfect as a mezze, a sauce, or a light side dish that adds bright, zesty flavor to any meal.

A close up of a woman's hand holding a piece of soft, golden-brown bread topped with a thick, chunky spread. The spread is textured with visible bits of red, green, and brown, showing small herb leaves and finely chopped vegetables. The bread appears fluffy inside with a slightly crispy, textured crust sprinkled with sesame seeds. The dish is served in a shallow white bowl filled with the same spread, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are blurred, ripe red tomatoes and a lemon wedge adding a fresh touch. 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 bowl. Then, finely chop the onion and both bell peppers and add them to the tomatoes.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped parsley to the bowl. Stir to combine all the vegetables evenly.
Step 3: Mix in the tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
Step 4: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a mezze, side salad, or sauce.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Aleppo pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Replace green bell pepper with mild chili peppers if you prefer more heat.
Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
If you want a chunkier texture, chop the vegetables coarser instead of very finely.

Storage

Store Ezme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be gently stirred and served cold after storage. Avoid freezing as the texture and freshness will be compromised.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a thick, chunky, reddish-brown sauce, showing small pieces of herbs and vegetables mixed in, placed on a light wood board. Next to the bowl are three lemon slices with some green herbs on top, fresh green parsley leaves, and golden brown bread with sesame seeds, all arranged closely together on a white marbled surface with a gray and white checkered cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Ezme ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Ezme a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated to let the flavors develop. However, it is best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

What can I serve Ezme with?

Ezme pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, kebabs, pita bread, or as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus and yogurt dips.