Ezme
Spicy Turkish Tomato Salad
Ezme is a vibrant and refreshing Turkish meze, or appetizer, featuring finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, onions, and fresh herbs, all brought together with a zesty dressing. It's known for its bright flavors and a pleasant kick of spice, making it an essential accompaniment to grilled meats, kebabs, or simply enjoyed with warm flatbread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 Ripe tomatoes(Medium-sized, very ripe for best flavor and texture. Remove seeds if you prefer a less watery salad.)
- 2 Green bell peppers(Or substitute with a mix of green and red bell peppers for color and slightly different flavor. Remove seeds and membranes.)
- 1/2 Red onion(Small to medium-sized. Finely minced to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley(Packed, finely chopped. Stems can be included if very tender.)
- 1 tbsp Pepper paste(Biber salçası (Turkish red pepper paste). Use mild or hot depending on your spice preference. Tomato paste can be used in a pinch but will alter the flavor profile.)
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil(Good quality for best flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Pomegranate molasses(Adds a crucial sweet and tangy depth.)
- 1/2 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/4 tsp Sumac(Optional, but adds a lovely lemony tang. Adjust to taste.)
- 1 tsp Lemon juice(Freshly squeezed, optional for extra brightness.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Wash and finely dice the tomatoes, green peppers, and red onion. Aim for a very small, uniform dice (about 0.5 cm or 1/4 inch). The finer the chop, the better the texture and melding of flavors. If using a food processor, pulse gently to avoid making a paste.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Chop the herbs: Finely chop the fresh parsley. Ensure it's finely minced to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Combine the dressing ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the pepper paste, olive oil, pomegranate molasses, salt, sumac (if using), and lemon juice (if using). Stir until well combined.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Mix everything together: In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced tomatoes, peppers, onion, and chopped parsley. Pour the dressing mixture over the vegetables. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Taste and adjust seasoning: Sample the ezme and add more salt, pepper paste, pomegranate molasses, or sumac as needed to achieve your desired balance of flavors.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Rest and serve: For the best flavor, allow the ezme to rest for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature, or longer in the refrigerator, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature with warm pita bread, lavash, or as a side dish to grilled meats.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to great ezme is a very fine dice on all the vegetables. A sharp knife and patience are your best tools.
- ✓Adjust the amount of pepper paste and sumac to control the level of spiciness and tanginess.
- ✓Ezme tastes even better after resting for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It can be made a few hours ahead.
- ✓If you find the salad too watery, you can drain off some of the excess liquid before serving, or ensure your tomatoes are not overly ripe and watery.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For extra heat, add a finely minced hot chili pepper (like a serrano or jalapeño) along with the bell peppers.
- Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped toasted walnuts for added texture and richness.
- A pinch of dried mint can add a refreshing twist.
- Some recipes include a small amount of finely grated garlic.