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Ezme with cucumber, fresh tomatoes and cilantro
Middle Eastern Ezme with cucumber, tomato, and cilantro

Spicy Turkish Cucumber and Tomato Salad (Ezme)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Salads
'Ezme' means 'crushed' or 'mashed' in Turkish. This spicy tomato salsa is an essential accompaniment to every Turkish feast, designed to wake up the palate. In this version, the freshness of cucumber balances the fire of the chili. The secret lies in hand-chopping: a machine would pulverize the vegetables and make the dish watery, whereas a knife preserves the crunchy texture.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
⌛ Total Time 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 90 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Turkish

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large, sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Sieve for draining

Instructions

1 ✓

Dice the tomatoes, peppers, and cucumber into very tiny cubes (approx 1/8 inch). Yes, it takes patience, but it's worth it!

Tip: If the cucumber center is too watery, scoop it out with a spoon before cutting.
2 ✓

Place the chopped vegetables in a sieve, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess juice.

Tip: Salt draws water out of the cells (osmosis), concentrating the flavors and preventing a soggy salad.
3 ✓

Meanwhile, mash the garlic into a paste and finely mince the chili and herbs.

Tip: Mashing garlic with a pinch of salt creates a creamier texture.
4 ✓

In a bowl, mix the drained vegetables with spices, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly.

Tip: The oil coats the vegetables and helps release the pepper's color pigments, giving the dish a nice red sheen.
5 ✓

Serve with fresh bread or as a side to grilled meats.

Tip: Even more refreshing when chilled.

Recipe FAQ

It turned out too soupy. What happened?
Salted vegetables release water. It's crucial to let them drain in a sieve after chopping and salting before mixing in the oil.
How long does it keep?
1-2 days in the fridge, but it's best fresh as it loses its crunch over time.

Ingredients

  • 2 whole Red Bell Peppers (or Kapia)
  • 3 whole Tomatoes (firm)
  • 1 whole English Cucumber
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (or Pomegranate Molasses)
  • 1 whole Chili Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 bunch Fresh Parsley (or Cilantro)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Turkish Red Pepper Flakes (Aleppo Pepper) or Black Pepper