Name: Turkish Ezme Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Turkish
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 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 Turkish salad bursting with fresh tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, perfectly balanced with tangy lemon and aromatic spices. This versatile mezze is ideal as a refreshing dip or a flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats and bread.

This image shows a white bowl filled with a chunky, reddish-brown sauce mixed with green herbs and small pieces of red and yellow vegetables, giving the texture a rough, slightly oily look. The bowl is placed on a wooden board along with three slices of lemon that are bright yellow with a few green herb pieces on top. To the right of the lemons, there are fresh green parsley leaves with detailed veins. At the bottom right corner, a golden brown bread roll with shiny sesame seeds on top rests on a blue and white striped cloth. The background has a white marbled texture. 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 tablespoon tomato paste
1 lemon, juice of
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
1 teaspoon sumac

Instructions

Step 1: Finely chop the tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Chop the onion and both bell peppers very finely and add them to the tomatoes.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped parsley to the vegetables and stir to combine.
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 evenly combined.
Step 4: Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a mezze, sauce, or salad.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh tomatoes only; canned tomatoes alter the texture and flavor and are not recommended.
For extra heat, add a pinch more Aleppo pepper or a dash of red chili flakes.
Serve ezme alongside hummus, baba ganoush, or grilled meats like kofta kebab for a complete mezze experience.
Try serving ezme with Turkish pide bread or pita chips as a flavorful dip.

Storage

Store leftover ezme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze, as the texture and flavor will be compromised. When ready to serve, give it a quick stir and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a woman's hand dipping a piece of crispy, toasted bread into a thick, chunky dip inside a white shallow dish. The dip has a rich mix of colors including deep reds, greens, and light brown, showing a blend of finely chopped vegetables and herbs with a moist texture. The toasted bread shows a golden-brown crust with a soft, porous inside. In the blurred background, there are sliced red tomatoes and a lemon wedge on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Canned tomatoes are not recommended for ezme because their softer texture and different flavor profile change the dish’s taste and consistency. Fresh, firm tomatoes are essential for the best results.

What dishes pair well with ezme?

Ezme is excellent as a mezze alongside dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, and labneh. It also complements grilled meats such as shish tawook, kofta kebabs, or beef shish kabob. It can be served with pita, lavash, or Turkish pide bread for dipping.