Description
Ezme is a traditional Turkish mezze salad known for its vibrant, fresh flavors and finely chopped vegetables. This recipe combines ripe tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, pungent onion, and aromatic herbs with a tangy blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices, resulting in a zesty, refreshing dish perfect as a side, sauce, or appetizer.
Ingredients
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 Others
- 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
- Chop Vegetables: Chop the tomatoes very finely and place them in a bowl. Finely chop the onion and both bell peppers, then add them to the tomatoes, ensuring a uniform texture for the salad.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped parsley to the bowl with the vegetables, stirring to combine evenly.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the tomato paste, extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac. Mix thoroughly to ensure all flavors marry well.
- Let it Chill: Refrigerate the Ezme mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and meld beautifully. Serve cold as a mezze appetizer, salad, or accompaniment to main dishes.
Notes
- For best results, use firm and fresh tomatoes to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
- The green bell pepper can be replaced with mild green chili if you prefer a spicier kick.
- Adjust the Aleppo pepper according to your spice tolerance as it adds mild heat and a fruity flavor.
- Ezme is traditionally served cold and pairs well with grilled meats, kebabs, or fresh flatbread.
