AppetizerSide DishSnack

Acili Ezme (Spicy Turkish Salad)

Name: Acili Ezme (Spicy Turkish Salad)
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: turkish
Ingredients: 2 pcs tomato finely diced; 0.5 pcs cucumber finely diced; 0.5 pcs green bell pepper finely diced; 0.5 pcs red bell pepper finely diced; 0.5 pcs red onion finely diced; 0.5 cup parsley finely chopped; 2 tbsp mint finely chopped; 2 clove garlic minced; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp red pepper paste; 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 0.5 tsp cumin; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper

Acili Ezme is a vibrant and spicy Turkish salad, often served as a mezze or appetizer. This fresh and flavorful dish combines finely diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers with a rich, tangy dressing of tomato and pepper pastes, pomegranate molasses, and aromatic spices, offering a delightful kick with every bite. It's a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or as a refreshing dip.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 35 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 164 kcal

VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Mise en place

Ingredients

2 pcstomato, finely diced
0.5 pcscucumber, finely diced
0.5 pcsgreen bell pepper, finely diced
0.5 pcsred bell pepper, finely diced
0.5 pcsred onion, finely diced
0.5 cupparsley, finely chopped
2 tbspmint, finely chopped
2 clovegarlic, minced

dressing

1 tbsptomato paste
1 tbspred pepper paste
2 tbsppomegranate molasses
3 tbspolive oil
1 tspred pepper flakes
0.5 tspcumin
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper

Equipment

Chef's knife · Cutting board · Large mixing bowl · Small mixing bowl · Whisk · Measuring spoons · Measuring cups

The method

Step by step

1
Wash and thoroughly dry the tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensuring vegetables are dry helps the dressing adhere better and prevents a watery salad.
2
Finely dice the tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and red onion into very small, uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch or 0.5 cm).
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Uniform dicing is key for the traditional texture of Acili Ezme, allowing all flavors to meld perfectly in each bite.
3
Transfer all the finely diced vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
4
Finely chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Use a sharp knife to prevent bruising the herbs, which can diminish their vibrant color and flavor.
5
Add the chopped parsley and mint to the bowl with the diced vegetables.
6
Peel and mince the garlic cloves very finely, then add them to the vegetable mixture.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: For an even finer mince, you can use a garlic press.
7
In a separate small bowl, combine the tomato paste, red pepper paste, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, red pepper flakes, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Red pepper paste (biber salçası) adds a unique depth of flavor; adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
8
Whisk the dressing ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined and form a smooth, emulsified mixture.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the pastes are fully incorporated into the oil and molasses for a cohesive dressing.
9
Pour the prepared dressing over the diced vegetables and herbs in the large bowl.
10
Gently toss all the ingredients together using a spoon or spatula until the vegetables are evenly coated with the vibrant dressing.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Avoid over-mixing, which can bruise the delicate herbs and vegetables.
11
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Chilling is crucial for this salad, as it enhances the refreshing quality and allows the spices and pastes to fully infuse the vegetables.
12
Serve the chilled Acili Ezme as a mezze, appetizer, or a refreshing side dish.
Cook’s note: Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving for an appealing presentation.

Per serving

Nutrition

70%Score

Calories: 164.1kcal
Protein: 2.2g
Carbs: 17.4g
Fat: 10.6g
Fibre: 2.8g
Sugar: 11.1g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Cook’s note:

Acili Ezme is incredibly versatile. Serve it with warm pita bread or crusty Turkish bread for dipping, alongside grilled kebabs, or as a vibrant topping for scrambled eggs. For a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit the red pepper paste. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can add an extra layer of brightness.

Storage

Store leftover Acili Ezme in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If it has been refrigerated for a while, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to slightly soften the vegetables and enhance the flavors.