Authentic Turkish Acı Ezme Recipe: A Spicy, Tangy Delight

Ingredients

4 large ripe tomatoes
2 green bell peppers
1 red bell pepper
2 hot green peppers (adjust to taste for spiciness)
1 medium onion
3 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons red pepper paste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon pomegranate syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spiciness)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps and instructions

Start by peeling the tomatoes. To do this, make a small cross-shaped incision at the bottom of each tomato. Place them in boiling water for about a minute, then remove and allow to cool. Once they are cool enough to handle, the skin should peel off easily.
After peeling, remove the seeds from the tomatoes and chop them finely. Set aside in a large bowl.
Next, deseed the bell peppers and hot peppers, and chop them finely. Add these to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic, and add them to the bowl.
Wash and finely chop the parsley and mint. Add these to the bowl as well.
In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the tomato paste, red pepper paste, lemon juice, pomegranate syrup, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
Pour this mixture over the chopped vegetables in the large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil.
Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and well combined.
Cover the bowl and leave to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow all the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the Acı Ezme a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve cold.

Tools for making

Knife - Used for chopping the vegetables.
Cutting board - Provides a sturdy surface for chopping the vegetables.
Bowl - Used to mix and combine the chopped vegetables and other ingredients.
Small bowl - Used to combine the tomato paste, red pepper paste, lemon juice, pomegranate syrup, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Refrigerator - Needed to chill the Acı Ezme before serving.

Recipe variations

Add finely chopped cucumber to the Acı Ezme for a refreshing twist.
Include diced avocado for a creamy and smooth texture.
Add a pinch of ground cumin or sumac for a hint of smokiness.
Replace the hot green peppers with jalapenos or serrano peppers for a different level of spiciness.
For a fruity twist, add diced fresh pineapple or mango.
Include chopped roasted red bell peppers for added depth of flavor.
Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity and add a touch of sweetness.
Serve the Acı Ezme with a dollop of Greek yogurt or feta cheese on top.
For an extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on the Acı Ezme.
Experiment with different herbs such as cilantro or dill in place of parsley and mint.

Recipe overview

Acı Ezme is a spicy Turkish salad or dip. It is made from finely chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, and a flavorful dressing. The result is a beautifully vibrant, spicy, and tangy dish that is perfect for serving with bread or as part of a mezze platter. The recipe requires simple, fresh ingredients and involves an easy process of chopping and mixing. Although the dish is simple, it is packed full of flavor, with a kick from the hot peppers, a freshness from the herbs, and a tangy sweetness from the pomegranate syrup. The dish is served cold, making it a perfect choice for summer meals or picnics. Allow the salad to chill before serving to let the flavors meld together for the best taste.

Common questions

Can I adjust the spiciness of the Acı Ezme?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the Acı Ezme by adding more or fewer hot green peppers and red pepper flakes. Taste as you go and adjust according to your preference.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
While fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain the canned tomatoes before chopping.
Can I substitute the pomegranate syrup?
If you don't have pomegranate syrup, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon juice and a small amount of honey or molasses to achieve a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
How long can I store Acı Ezme?
Acı Ezme can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What can I serve Acı Ezme with?
Acı Ezme is traditionally served as a side dish or dip with pita bread, crusty bread, or crackers. It can also be served as a topping for grilled meats or as a condiment for kebabs.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting Board - A sturdy cutting board is essential for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
Chef's Knife - A sharp chef's knife will make it easier to finely chop and dice the vegetables.
Mixing Bowl - A large mixing bowl will be used to combine all the ingredients together.
Serving Bowl - A serving bowl to present the Acı Ezme to your guests.
Spoon or Spatula - A spoon or spatula will be handy for stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Refrigerator - A refrigerator is needed to chill the Acı Ezme before serving.

Origin stories

Acı Ezme is a traditional Turkish appetizer, known as a meze, that hails from the southeastern region of Turkey, a place famous for its spicy foods. Its name literally translates to "spicy crusher" in English, providing a hint of the fiery flavors and the traditional method of preparation. In the old times, ingredients were crushed and blended using a mortar and pestle, a practice to which it owes its name. Each household and region in Turkey may have its own variation of Acı Ezme, adjusting the ingredients and spiciness to their liking, making it a versatile and very personal dish. The use of fresh herbs, spices, and the unique tang of pomegranate syrup gives this dish its distinctive flavor, making it a beloved part of the Turkish cuisine and a great testament to the country's rich culinary tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.