There’s something about Turkish mezze that just feels like an invitation to slow down, gather around the table, and truly savor the moment. One of the stars of this vibrant spread? Ezme. This Turkish staple is a bold, zesty, and irresistibly fresh dip that brings together the best Mediterranean flavors. Think juicy tomatoes, crisp peppers, and fragrant herbs, all finely chopped and mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, and a perfect blend of spices. It’s refreshing, slightly spicy, and bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love Turkish Ezme This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer with warm pita bread, as a topping for grilled meats, or as part of a grand mezze platter, Turkish Ezme is the kind of dish that elevates any meal. Is this Turkish Ezme for you? Let’s see. Turkish Ezme is…
- Bursting with Freshness: The combination of ripe tomatoes, crisp peppers, and fresh parsley makes every bite pop with flavor.
- A Perfect Balance of Flavors: A little tangy, a little spicy, and a little smoky, thanks to sumac and Aleppo pepper.
- Quick & Easy: It comes together in minutes with just a bit of chopping and mixing.
- Versatile: Serve it as a dip, a salad, or a side—Ezme plays well with everything.
- Light & Healthy: Made with fresh veggies, heart-healthy olive oil, and citrus, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Ingredients in Turkish Ezme Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a handful of simple ingredients, but the result is packed with complex flavors. Let’s break it down:
Tomatoes: The foundation of Ezme. Use firm, fresh tomatoes for the best texture and natural sweetness.
White Onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that balances the other flavors.
Green Bell Pepper: Provides a mild, slightly grassy flavor with a bit of crunch. (See notes for substitutions.)
Red Bell Pepper: A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
Garlic: Because every great dip needs that garlicky kick.
Fresh Parsley: Brings freshness and a hint of earthiness.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the Ezme a deeper color.
Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty note that ties everything together.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances the richness and gives the dish a silky texture.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors.
Aleppo Pepper: A mild chili with a fruity, slightly smoky heat that makes a difference.
Sumac: A tangy, citrusy spice that adds depth and complexity.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Turkish Ezme Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice the tomatoes, onion, and bell peppers. You want a finely textured dip, so take your time chopping everything as small as possible. Alternatively, use a food processor for quicker results—but pulse carefully to avoid turning it into a puree.
Prepare the Garlic & Herbs: Mince the garlic and finely chop the parsley. These add depth and fragrance to the dish.
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, garlic, and parsley. Stir in the tomato paste, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings.
Let It Rest: Allow the Ezme to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy: Enjoy with warm pita, as a side to grilled meats, or even as a fresh topping for kebabs.
How to Serve Turkish Ezme
- With Fresh Bread: Warm, soft pita or crispy simit is perfect for scooping up this flavorful dip.
- Alongside Grilled Meats: Ezme pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, chicken, or kebabs.
- As a Mezze Staple: Serve it as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus, baba ghanoush, and tzatziki.
- With a Salad: Toss a spoonful onto a fresh green salad for an extra burst of flavor.
- On a Sandwich: Use it as a spread to add a kick to wraps or sandwiches.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicier: If you love heat, add a finely chopped chili or extra Aleppo pepper.
- Use the Right Tomatoes: Avoid overly ripe tomatoes—they’ll release too much liquid and make the Ezme watery.
- Let It Sit Longer: The longer it rests, the better it tastes. If you have time, let it chill in the fridge for an hour before serving.
- Chop by Hand for the Best Texture: A food processor works, but hand-chopping gives the best consistency.
- Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips & Variations
- Sumac Substitute: If you don’t have sumac, a mix of lemon zest and a pinch of salt can mimic its tanginess.
- Bell Pepper Swap: If you want more heat, replace the green bell pepper with a spicy green chili.
- Make It Smokier: A touch of smoked paprika can add an extra depth of flavor.
There you have it a bold, bright, and irresistibly fresh Turkish Ezme that’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Turkish Ezme
Ingredients
- 3 large tomatoes firm and fresh
- 1 medium white onion
- 1 green bell pepper see notes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Aleppo pepper
- 1 tsp sumac
Instructions
- Finely chop the tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Finely chop the onions and peppers as well and add them to the tomatoes.
- Add the minced garlic and finely chopped parsley, then stir to combine.
- Mix in the tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac. Stir well until fully combined.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve as a mezze, sauce, or salad alongside kebabs and fresh bread.
Notes
- Traditional Ezme can also include spicy green peppers for extra heat. Adjust the type of pepper based on your spice preference.
- For a smoother consistency, pulse the ingredients in a food processor instead of chopping by hand.
- Serve with pita bread, grilled meats, or as a side to Mediterranean dishes.
