Turkish Ezme Recipe

Introduction

Ezme is a vibrant Turkish salad bursting with fresh vegetables and tangy flavors. This finely chopped salad is perfect as a light appetizer or a zesty side dish to complement grilled meats and mezes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sumac
• Kosher or sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 Roma tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion (or red onion)
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ bunch flat leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the dressing by combining extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, tomato paste, Aleppo chili flakes, sumac, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper directly in your serving bowl.
2. Step 2: Prepare the vegetables. If your tomatoes are very juicy, remove the seeds to prevent excess liquid in the salad. Finely chop the tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, parsley, and garlic into tiny pieces.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the dressing and mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
4. Step 4: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use Aleppo chili flakes for a mild heat, or substitute with crushed red pepper flakes if unavailable.
• For extra texture, add finely chopped cucumber or mint leaves.
• Removing tomato seeds helps avoid watery salad, keeping the texture perfect.

Storage

Store Ezme salad 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 as leftovers. Avoid freezing as the fresh vegetables will become watery upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Ezme salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Ezme a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just keep in mind that the flavors will meld, and the salad may become slightly watery, so stir well before serving.

What can I serve with Ezme?

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

Turkish Ezme Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 95 reviews

Turkish Ezme is a vibrant and flavorful salad featuring finely chopped fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and parsley, all tossed in a tangy and slightly spicy dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, tomato paste, Aleppo chili flakes, and sumac. This refreshing mezze is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or as a healthy appetizer.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Pomegranate molasses
• 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon Sumac
• Kosher or sea salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly cracked, to taste

Main Ingredients

• 3 Roma tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion (or red onion)
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup flat leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Make the dressing: In your serving bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, tomato paste, Aleppo chili flakes, sumac, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined.
2. Prepare the vegetables: If tomatoes are very juicy, remove their seeds to reduce excess liquid. Finely chop the tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, and flat leaf parsley into very small pieces to achieve a uniform texture similar to a salsa or relish.
3. Combine the salad: Add all the chopped vegetables and herbs directly into the bowl with the dressing and mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
4. Season and serve: Taste the ezme salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or lemon juice as desired to suit your palate. Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or side dish alongside grilled meats or bread.

Notes

• Aleppo chili flakes provide moderate heat and a fruity flavor but can be substituted with mild red chili flakes if unavailable.
• Removing tomato seeds helps prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
• This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Keywords: Turkish ezme, Turkish salad, tomato salad, pomegranate molasses salad, ezme recipe, vegan mezze, healthy appetizers