Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, offering a nutritious addition to your meal.
- Versatile: Serves as a dip, salad, or side dish, complementing various main courses.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Tomatoes: Firm and ripe, providing the base of the dish.
- Onion: White or yellow, finely chopped.
- Sweet Green and Red Peppers: Such as bell peppers, finely chopped.
- Garlic: Minced, adding depth to the flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh and finely chopped, for a burst of freshness.
- Tomato Paste: Enhances the rich tomato flavor.
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin, for a smooth texture.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed, adding tanginess.
- Spices: Salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac, for a balanced and aromatic profile.
Directions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the tomatoes, onion, and peppers. For the best texture, it’s recommended to chop by hand rather than using a food processor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chopped vegetables with minced garlic and parsley.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac until well combined.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled as a dip with bread, or as a side to grilled meats.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended).
Variations
- Spicy Ezme (Acılı Ezme): Increase the amount of Aleppo pepper or add a small amount of hot red pepper paste to elevate the heat.
- Tangy Twist: Incorporate pomegranate molasses for a sweeter and tart flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Ezme is traditionally served cold or at room temperature; reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
What is Ezme?
Ezme is a traditional Turkish condiment made from finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs, seasoned with spices and olive oil. It’s commonly served as a side dish or appetizer.
How Spicy is Ezme?
The spiciness of Ezme can vary depending on the amount of Aleppo pepper or red pepper paste used. It can be adjusted to suit your preference.
Can I Use a Food Processor to Chop the Vegetables?
While a food processor can be used for convenience, finely chopping the vegetables by hand is recommended to achieve the desired texture.
What Dishes Pair Well with Ezme?
Ezme pairs well with grilled meats, especially kebabs, and can also be enjoyed with fresh bread or as part of a mezze platter.
Is Ezme Served Cold or Warm?
Ezme is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, making it a refreshing accompaniment to various dishes.
How Long Does Ezme Keep in the Refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, Ezme can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can I Make Ezme Ahead of Time?
Yes, making Ezme ahead of time and allowing it to chill helps the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste.
What Can I Use Instead of Aleppo Pepper?
If Aleppo pepper is unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper to achieve a similar flavor.
Is Ezme Suitable for Vegans?
Yes, Ezme is a vegan-friendly dish as it contains only plant-based ingredients.
Can I Freeze Ezme?
Freezing Ezme is not recommended, as the texture of the fresh vegetables may become watery upon thawing.
Conclusion
Turkish Ezme is a delightful and versatile condiment that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. Its combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices makes it a healthy and tasty addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether served as a dip, salad, or side dish, Ezme is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and simplicity.
Ezme
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the authentic flavors of Turkish Ezme, a vibrant and refreshing condiment often referred to as “Turkish salsa.” Made with finely chopped fresh vegetables, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic spices, this versatile dish complements kebabs, fresh bread, or mezze platters perfectly.
Ingredients
gredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 sweet green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Aleppo pepper (or a mix of paprika and cayenne pepper)
- 1 tsp sumac
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables:
Finely chop tomatoes, onion, and peppers by hand for the best texture. - Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, minced garlic, and parsley. - Add Seasonings:
Stir in tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac until evenly mixed. - Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. - Serve:
Serve chilled as a dip, salad, or side dish alongside grilled meats or fresh bread.
Notes
- For a spicier version (Acılı Ezme), increase Aleppo pepper or add red pepper paste.
- Add a tangy twist with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.
- Avoid using a food processor to maintain the authentic chunky texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Turkish
