Turkish Ezme (Spicy Tomato Salad)

Turkish Ezme (Spicy Tomato Salad)

A fresh, zesty, spicy mezze from the heart of Turkish cuisine

If you have ever sat down at a Turkish restaurant and been served a small dish of bright red salad alongside your warm bread and kebabs, you have already fallen in love with Ezme. This spicy tomato salad is one of the most iconic mezze dishes in Turkish cooking. It is vibrant, tangy, slightly smoky, and full of finely chopped vegetables that come together in the freshest way.

Ezme is all about flavour and texture. The tomatoes are chopped into tiny pieces. The peppers add heat. The parsley brings freshness. The Oncu Pepper Paste gives it depth and colour. And the final drizzle of Royal Fields Pomegranate Syrup adds a sweet-tangy finish that balances all the spice. The key is to chop everything by hand and mix gently so the salad stays juicy without becoming mushy.

At Basfoods, this is one of our favourite dishes to highlight because it showcases the beauty of simple Mediterranean ingredients. With pepper paste, quality pomegranate syrup, and fresh produce, you can prepare an authentic restaurant-style ezme right at home.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp salt

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped

• 2 green peppers (Anaheim, jalapeño, or serrano), seeded and finely chopped

• 1 tbsp Oncu Pepper Paste

• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (45 ml)

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp Royal Fields Sumac

• ¼ tsp Aleppo pepper

• 2 tbsp Royal Fields Pomegranate Syrup (optional but recommended)

How to Make Authentic Turkish Ezme

1. Start with Onions and Garlic

On a large cutting board, finely chop the onion and garlic. Sprinkle with salt and gently mix them together. The salt helps soften the onion and removes harshness.

Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2. Prepare the Tomatoes

Seed the tomatoes and chop them very finely. You can also chop them first and then strain them through a fine mesh strainer to remove excess liquid.

Add the tomatoes to the bowl.

3. Add the Peppers

Finely chop the seeded green peppers. The type of pepper you choose will determine how spicy your ezme is.

Add the peppers to the bowl.

4. Build the Flavour

Add Oncu Pepper Paste, lemon juice, chopped parsley, sumac, and Aleppo pepper. Mix everything together gently until well combined. The mixture should look vibrant and glossy.

5. Finish with Pomegranate Syrup

Drizzle Royal Fields Pomegranate Syrup on top if you like. It adds the perfect sweet-tangy complexity that elevates authentic Turkish ezme.

How to Serve Ezme

Ezme is traditionally served as part of a mezze spread alongside dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush, grilled halloumi, and cacik. It also pairs beautifully with:

• grilled meats and kebabs

• warm Turkish bread

• rice pilaf

• stuffed vegetables

• breakfast platters

It is refreshing, spicy, and adds brightness to any meal.

The Story Behind Ezme

Ezme is found in almost every region of Turkey, but the exact level of spice and acidity varies from city to city. In southeastern Turkey, it is famously fiery and chopped extremely fine, almost like a salsa. In coastal regions, it is milder, chunkier, and often served with olive oil.

What makes ezme special is the way it transforms simple ingredients into a dish full of character. Much like many Mediterranean salads, it relies on the natural flavours of fresh vegetables, high-quality pepper paste, and just the right balance of spice and acidity.

Tips for Perfect Ezme

• Chop everything by hand to maintain texture.

• Seed tomatoes and peppers to avoid excess liquid.

• Adjust spice levels by choosing different peppers.

• Add more pomegranate syrup for sweetness or more lemon juice for acidity.

• Serve immediately for the freshest flavour.

Where to Buy Ingredients for Turkish Ezme in Australia

You can find Oncu Pepper Paste, Royal Fields Sumac, Royal Fields Pomegranate Syrup, and all Mediterranean essentials at Basfoods Brunswick or through our online store. We stock a full range of Turkish and Middle Eastern ingredients perfect for authentic home cooking.

Fresh, Spicy, and Full of Mediterranean Flavour

Ezme is the kind of salad that instantly brightens the table. It is quick to make, healthy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it with grilled meats or include it in a mezze spread, this spicy tomato salad brings the essence of Turkish cuisine straight into your kitchen.