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Ezme tomato dip served with fresh bread
Fresh and flavorful Turkish Ezme tomato dip

Turkish Spicy Ezme Dip

Author: Flavelo
Sauces and Gravies Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes
'Acılı Ezme' (Spicy Mash) is a symbol of Turkish hospitality, served automatically with bread at kebab houses. It's not a cooked sauce but a salsa-like dip defined by hand-chopping. Blenders destroy cell walls, making a watery mess—hand-chopping ensures a perfect, crisp texture.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
⌛ Total Time 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 75 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Turkish

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Sieve or strainer
  • Mixing bowl

Instructions

1 ✓

Blanch tomatoes for 10 seconds to peel easily. Halve them and scoop out the seeds/liquid (discard or save for stock). Finely dice the flesh into tiny 1/8-inch cubes.

Tip: Removing seeds keeps the dip meaty, not soupy.
2 ✓

Finely hand-chop the green chili, parsley, and garlic.

Tip: Never use a food processor; it turns veggies into mush.
3 ✓

Place all chopped veggies in a strainer, sprinkle with salt, and let drain for 10 minutes.

Tip: Salt draws out excess moisture via osmosis.
4 ✓

Transfer drained veggies to a bowl. Mix with olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and pepper flakes.

Tip: Good olive oil adds body and flavor here.
5 ✓

Taste and adjust acidity/spice. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tip: Resting allows flavors to marry.

Recipe FAQ

What is pomegranate molasses?
It's a thick, tart syrup ('Nar Ekşisi'). If you can't find it, substitute balsamic glaze or a mix of lemon juice and honey.
Why is it watery?
Tomatoes release juice when salted. Letting the chopped veggies drain in a sieve before mixing is crucial.

Ingredients

  • 4 whole ripe tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1 whole green chili (or mild pepper)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tsp Aleppo pepper (or red chili flakes)
  • 2 tsp pomegranate molasses