Description
Ezme is a vibrant and spicy Turkish salad featuring finely chopped ripe tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and herbs, combined with zesty lemon juice, rich olive oil, and sweet-tangy pomegranate molasses. This flavorful, spreadable salad is perfect as a fresh appetizer or condiment to grilled meats and mezze platters, offering a bright balance of spice, acidity, and savory depth.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
- 2 green peppers, finely minced
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely minced
- 1 fresh chili pepper, finely minced (adjust to taste)
Dressings and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Peel the tomatoes by blanching them briefly in hot water, remove the seeds, and then finely chop them until the texture is almost paste-like, ensuring a smooth base for the salad.
- Mince Vegetables: Finely mince the green peppers, onion, garlic, parsley, and chili pepper, aiming for a very small, uniform chop to create a fine, spreadable texture for the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped tomatoes with the minced peppers, onion, garlic, parsley, and chili pepper, mixing gently to blend the flavors without breaking down the texture further.
- Add Dressing: Gradually add the lemon juice, olive oil, and pomegranate molasses while stirring continuously to incorporate all ingredients evenly and achieve a glossy, uniform mixture.
- Season: Add salt to taste and adjust the chili pepper if necessary, mixing well to ensure the seasoning is distributed throughout the salad.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ezme for at least 30 minutes prior to serving, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
Notes
- Ezme must be finely chopped, never chunky, to maintain its characteristic smooth and spreadable texture.
- Adjust chili quantity according to your desired spice level.
- Chilling enhances flavor melding and improves the salad’s refreshing taste.
- Pomegranate molasses contributes a subtle sweetness and tang that balances the acidity of lemon juice.
- Serve ezme as a dip with fresh bread or as a side salad with grilled meats.