Dessert

Turkish Ezme Recipe

Name: Turkish Ezme Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 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 olive oil (extra virgin); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper; 1 tsp sumac

ByLana Polati November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

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Introduction

Ezme is a vibrant and fresh Turkish salad packed with finely chopped vegetables and bold flavors. It’s perfect as a mezze appetizer or a zesty accompaniment to grilled dishes. Ready in just 10 minutes, it brings a refreshing touch to any meal.

A white bowl filled with a thick, chunky sauce that has a reddish-brown color mixed with small bits of green herbs and red pepper pieces, giving it a textured look. Around the bowl are fresh green parsley leaves on the right, bright yellow lemon slices at the bottom, and halved red tomatoes at the top right, all placed on a white marbled surface. The sauce appears moist with a slightly oily sheen on top, showing the mix of finely chopped vegetables and seasonings, 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 tbsp tomato paste
1 lemon (juice of)
2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper
1 tsp sumac

Instructions

Step 1: Chop the tomatoes very finely and place them in a large bowl. Finely chop the white onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper, then add them to the tomatoes.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped parsley to the bowl. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the vegetables evenly.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, Aleppo pepper, and sumac. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Refrigerate the ezme for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a mezze, side salad, or fresh sauce.

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili peppers.
If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the ingredients briefly in a food processor before mixing.
Use lemon zest along with the juice for a brighter citrus flavor.
Replace the green bell pepper with mild hot peppers if you like more heat in your ezme.

Storage

Store ezme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. It tastes best fresh but can be enjoyed as a chilled side for a couple of days. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a thick, coarse red-brown sauce that has visible small chunks of herbs and spices, placed on a round wooden board. Next to the bowl, there are three thin, vibrant yellow lemon slices arranged slightly overlapping, a bunch of fresh bright green parsley with leafy texture, a golden-brown round flatbread topped with white sesame seeds showing soft yet crisp texture, and two red tomatoes—one whole and one cut in half revealing its juicy seeds and inner structure. The setup rests on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make ezme ahead of time?

Yes, ezme actually benefits from resting for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop. You can prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until serving.

What can I serve ezme with?

Ezme is traditionally served as a mezze alongside grilled meats, kebabs, or flatbreads. It also works well as a fresh salad or a dip for pita chips and vegetables.