What is ezme? Ezme is a Turkish tomato and pepper relish or salsa that is out of this world. Think of it as salsa's Turkish cousin. I had one bite at a Turkish restaurant and I was in love. I vowed to replicate it at home so I could enjoy it anytime I wanted. So here I am sharing it with you.
I recently tried ezme for the first time at a Turkish restaurant in downtown Cincinnati. My husband and I were at a conference and we asked some locals where to go get good ethnic food. We ended up at Istanbul Cafe, a charming family owned restaurant. The service was impeccable and the food out of this world. I highly recommend it.
Turkish food
We wanted one of everything! We always have this rule when we go to a new restaurant. We each order an appetizer and we each try a different entree. On the recommendation of the waiter we ordered the appetizer sampler which contained the Turkish salad, ezme, dolmas, hummus, and delicious warm pita bread. I need to confess that we ate every morsel. Regretfully, we could not lick the plate at the risk of being evicted, or looked at in a questionable way.
Turkish food is so diverse because it has so many culinary influences. Standing as the bridge between east and west Turkey shares the ancient culinary influences of the Arab, Greek and the Roman Empire. Now, that's variety!
I am so glad to have found Mezzetta peppers because they are perfect for this dish. Their flavor is fresh and they have a wide variety of products too. You can also serve them by themselves. These are the best quality peppers I have found and Mezzetta specialty foods has grown to become the leading producer of glass-packed peppers, olives, and specialty foods in the United States. Their peppers are harvested at the peak of ripeness from local farmers around the world, and bring the delicious flavors to life with proprietary brines. I have a friend who loves their roasted red peppers served plain on a piece of toasted French bread. Deeelish!
What makes my ezme recipe so great is that it's made with fresh ingredients. This is typical of all Turkish food. You can take this tasty appetizer to a summer tapas party or picnics and amaze your friends with your "new recipe".
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will the ezme last and can I make it ahead? You can make this dish 1 day ahead of serving. It is always best as fresh as possible.
- Can I freeze ezme? Do not freeze this dish as it will will be completely wilted and soggy when thawed.
- How long will the ezme last in the refrigerator? I have eaten this the following day and it is still very crisp and fresh. More than 1 day old it will not be nearly as crisp and will needed tossed.
Here are some other interesting salads or salsas to try. Vietnamese Pho Tron is a cool beef salad with very unique flavors and a sweet, tart and salty dressing. Mediterranean parsley salad is fresh and healthy with a simple homemade dressing. Mango black bean salsa brings sweet and savory together and is sure to please a crowd at your next picnic.
Looking for more recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week! You can also find me sharing more inspiration in Pinterest and Facebook
📖 Recipe
Ezme -Turkish Tomato Pepper Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tomatoes diced diced
- ½ onion small, diced
- ¼ cup roasted red peppers finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon jalapenos deli sliced, pickled or jarred type
- 2 tablespoon curly parsley finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon mint fresh, chopped
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon fresh squeezed juice
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 dash cinnamon
Instructions
- In a glass or ceramic bowl mix diced tomatoes, onions, parsley, red peppers, jalapenos, and mint. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl place the rest of the ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Pour over the tomato mixture, stirring to coat all the ingredients.
- Let mixture sit for about 2 hours before serving.
- Serve with warm pita bread
Video
Notes
- How long will the ezme last and can I make it ahead? You can make this dish 1 day ahead of serving. It is always best as fresh as possible.
- Can I freeze ezme? Do not freeze this dish as it will will be completely wilted and soggy when thawed.
- How long will the ezme last in the refrigerator? I have eaten this the following day and it is still very crisp and fresh. More than 1 day old it will not be nearly as crisp and will needed tossed.
Nutrition
Roberta Blevins says
I've never had Ezme - but I LOVE ethnic food! I need to give this a try!
Analida says
Thanks Roberta. Try it out. I love it with warm pita bread.
Jennifer Stewart says
Great salsa recipe! I love making salsa in the summer and eating it like a salad! Thanks for a great recipe!
Analida says
You are welcome Jennifer! Enjoy.
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
This would be great on sandwiches, on chips, on just about ANYTHING!
Analida says
Yes, it would Kristen. I think it would be great on a piece of broiled fish or chicken, or a side to kebabs?
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
I love homemade salsa...it is simply the best! Can't wait to try out your recipe, Analida!
Analida says
Thanks Michelle! It's really good. The mint gives it an interesting depth.
Denise Wright says
Well I feel stupid....had I read your post I would have know what Mezzetta peppers were! This looks super tasty. I love all your ethnic recipes....they intrigue me!
Analida says
Thanks Denise! LOL. This is a great recipe. I think it would also be good as a relish for broiled fish or chicken.
Faye Wilkerson says
A great salsa recipe. Added to my Yum recipe box.
Analida says
🙂 thanks Faye!
Caroline says
Looks so pretty and tasty!
Analida says
Thanks Caroline!!
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says
This looks and sounds delicious!
Analida says
Thanks Michelle!!
Ntina says
This looks delicious and ideal for summer time! Thanks for sharing it at bloggers brags pinterest party! pinned!
Analida says
You are welcome!!! 🙂
Diana Rambles says
Looks fantastic!
Analida says
Thanks Diana! 🙂
Erlene says
This sounds wonderful and a great way for me to use some of our tomatoes from the garden. I've used Mezzetta products before and they are very tasty. Thanks for sharing this recipe on Merry Monday. Pinned.
Analida says
You are welcome Erlene. I hope you like the recipe.
Sheryl says
I lived in Turkey for a couple of years and one of biggest regrets is that I didn't pay attention and learn how to cook some of their dishes. Look forward to trying this.
Analida says
How cool to have lived in Turkey. It is definitely on my list of places to visit. An old classmate of mine lives in Istanbul. Let me know how it turns out.
Amy says
This recipe certainly has my interests piqued. I've never heard of ezme, but I love learning about new foods and trying them. This one is going on my pin board for sure. I've got a family dinner to bring a side dish to this weekend and I think this just earned top spot on my want to make list.
Analida says
Thanks for commenting Amy. Yes, this is a great recipe. I hope your family likes it. Another way in which you can use this recipe is on top of broiled fish or chicken.
🙂
laura@motherwouldknow says
Turkish salsa seems like such a funny concept, but I love these ingredients and the final dish looks wonderful. What a great cross-cultural idea.
Analida says
Thanks Laura! Yes, I think it is pretty cool. 🙂
Renee says
The flavors in this salsa sound perfect! I look forward to trying your recipe!
Analida says
Thanks Renee!
Let me know how you like it.
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
So many great flavors in this!
Analida says
Thank you Megan. Let me know if you get to try this recipe.
Dominique | Perchance to Cook says
Oooo yum!!! I love this take on salsa; it sounds so unique and tasty! I love the addition of cinnamon. I'm excited to try it!
Analida says
Yes, Dominique, the flavor is really unique. I fell in love with it when I tried it at a Turkish restaurant a few years ago. Let me know how you like it. 🙂
Abby @ WinsteadWandering says
I haven't heard of Turkish salsa before, but I love this concept! I love homemade salsa, but I love roasted red peppers, too. What a perfect combo!
Analida says
Hi Abby! I hope you get to try it. You are right, it is a perfect combo!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
This looks so delicious! I've never heard of Turkish salsa! I love all the flavor combinations and look forward to trying your wonderful recipe!
Analida says
Elaine, I hope you like it. Turkish salsa is awesome!
Sharon says
Oh boy does this look good! The idea of having this as a side to grilled kebabs or even spicing up plain chicken.
Analida says
Yes, this is really tasty Sharon. As soon as the weather warms, I am making some kebabs, and some Ezme. I can't wait!
Amy Treasure says
I really could eat salsa all by itself. This looks so delicious. Yummy, I'm going to try it!
Analida says
Hi Amy! I hope you have a chance to make Ezme. It is so delicious, and healthy too.
Jessica Robinson says
Love homemade salsa and this recipe looks amazing!! Loving the flavors and the colors, perfect for summer!
Analida says
Jessica! This salsa is indeed perfect for summer. I hope you have a chance to try it. Thank you for the 5 star rating. 🙂
Tina says
Turkish food reminds me a little of Israeli cooking. So many cultures coming together and creating a melting pot of cuisine. How exciting, I'm going to have to look up and see if we have any Turkish restaurants here in SLC. Yours looks amazing.
Analida says
Thank you Tina. Yes, in a way Turkish cuisine share a lot with Israeli cuisine. My daughter bought me a book on Israeli cuisine for Christmas. The recipes are incredible.
Lynette says
I have never heard of Ezme but I love tomatoes and peppers so I think this kind of salsa would be something I would enjoy. Love the fresh ingredients you use in your recipe.
Analida says
Lynette, if you love tomatoes and peppers, then this recipe is for you. I hope you get to try ezme soon.
Carrie Ditton says
I would have never thought of putting mint in a salsa. I cannot wait to try this. I am making fish tacos and Tuesday and this is going to be served with them.
Analida says
Carrie, putting ezme in fish tacos sounds amazingly delicious. I am going to have to do that next time I make fish tacos at home.
You'll have to let me know how it turns out.
Jessica (Swanky Recipes) says
Love the fresh herbs and veggies in this salsa! With cinco de mayo just around the corner, I want to add a few new dips to the table and this one sounds like it has a lot of flavors we'll love!
Analida says
Hi Jessica! I hope you like this salsa. It does have a lot of freshness in it. I think it will be perfect for your 5 de Mayo party! Enjoy! 🙂 Thanks so much for the 5 star rating.
Michelle Blackwood says
Wow I have never had Ezme but it sounds so flavorful, going to make it tomorrow!
Analida says
I think you will like it Michelle. Let me know how you like it. 🙂 BTW, thank you for the 5 star rating.
Amanda Mason says
What a unique salsa! Loved the video! I'm also glad you took a picture of the Mezzetta peppers...it's always good to have a visual! Such unique flavors! I love it!
Analida says
Thanks so much Amanda! I am going to a party for work on Sunday, and I am actually thinking about making Ezme. Thank you so much for the 5 star rating. 🙂