Introduction

Ezme is a spicy and tangy Turkish salad made from finely chopped vegetables and herbs, mixed with pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, and olive oil. It’s often served as a meze, an appetiser, or a condiment with grilled meats. This refreshing and vibrant dish adds a burst of flavour and colour to any meal.

Ingredients

Serves Approximately: 4 to 6 People

• Tomatoes: 4 medium, finely chopped
• Red Bell Pepper: 1, finely chopped
• Green Bell Pepper: 1, finely chopped
• Cucumber: 1 small, peeled and finely chopped
• Red Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh Parsley: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
• Fresh Mint: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
• Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
• Pomegranate Molasses: 2 tablespoons
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
• Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: To taste

Equipment

• • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Spoon or Spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• • Finely chop the tomatoes, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Ensure all vegetables are chopped into very small pieces for the best texture.

2. Combine the Ingredients:

• • In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and fresh mint.
  • Add the lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Adjust Seasoning:

• • Taste the ezme and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice, salt, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.

 4. Chill the Salad:

• • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the ezme for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

5. Serve:

• • Transfer the ezme to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired.
  • Serve as part of a meze platter, with pita bread, or as a condiment with grilled meats.

Tips

• Consistency: Ensure all vegetables are finely chopped to achieve the correct texture. You can use a food processor for faster preparation, but be careful not to over-process.
• Pomegranate Molasses: This adds a unique tangy sweetness. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with a mixture of balsamic vinegar and a little sugar.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level. You can also add a finely chopped fresh chilli for extra heat.
• Resting Time: Letting the ezme sit in the refrigerator helps the flavours to meld, enhancing the overall taste.