Turkish Acili Ezme Recipe – Turkey Special
Turkish Acili Ezme is a vibrant and flavorful Turkish salad made from finely chopped vegetables, herbs, and a blend of spices, typically served as a meze or appetizer. Known for its tangy, spicy, and aromatic flavors, Ezme combines fresh tomatoes, onions, and peppers with zesty pomegranate molasses, olive oil, and a touch of chili flakes. It’s a refreshing dish with a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and sweetness. The finely minced ingredients allow each bite to burst with flavor, making Ezme a popular accompaniment to grilled meats, kebabs, or simply as a dip with flatbread. Its fresh, bold taste and versatility make it a staple in Turkish cuisine, enjoyed year-round.
- Prep Time10 min
- Total Time10 min
Turkish Acili Ezme Ingredients :
- 3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, finely chopped (optional)
- 2-3 green bell peppers, finely chopped (or 1 red pepper for sweetness)
- 2-3 small red chili peppers (or 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses (optional, for sweetness and tang)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to make Turkish Acili Ezme :
Prepare the Vegetables:Finely chop the tomatoes, onion, green peppers, and chili peppers (if using fresh). You can use a food processor for faster results, but ensure the vegetables are finely chopped, not pureed.
Mix the Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, peppers, and chili (or red pepper flakes). Add the chopped parsley and mix well.
Make the Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, pomegranate molasses, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Combine and Toss:Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables and mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, vinegar, or spice to suit your preferences.
Let it Sit:Allow the Ezme to sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate it for up to an hour to let the flavors meld.
Serve:Serve Ezme chilled or at room temperature as a side dish with grilled meats, kebabs, or flatbread, or as part of a Turkish meze platter.
Recipe Notes:
Chopping:Finely chop the vegetables for the best texture. You want the ingredients to meld together, not be too chunky.
Herbs:Fresh parsley is traditional, but you can also add a bit of fresh mint for a different flavor twist.
Resting Time:Let the Ezme sit for at least 15-20 minutes to let the flavors combine, or refrigerate for a couple of hours.
Serving:Ezme pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, kebabs, or flatbreads, but it’s also great as a refreshing dip or salad.
Storage:Store leftover Ezme in the fridge for 2-3 days. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.
