Acılı Ezme (Spicy Salsa)

acılı_ezme_(spicy_salsa)

Turkish Acılı Ezme or Spicy Salsa is a popular dish in Turkish cuisine, widely considered as an appetizer or a meze to be served before the main course. The dish is famous for its bold flavors and fiery spiciness, making it a favorite among those who crave for spicy food. The term ‘ezme’ means finely chopped or mashed in Turkish, which perfectly describes this recipe’s preparation method.

The recipe’s ingredients typically include fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and hot peppers, garlic, herbs, and spices, all mixed together to create a delicious and flavorful dip. Each ingredient adds a distinct flavor and texture, resulting in a unique salsa that is both tangy and spicy. There are several variations of the recipe across different regions in Turkey, each with slight differences in their ingredients and preparation style.

One of the key ingredients in Turkish Acılı Ezme is hot pepper, which gives the dish its signature spiciness. The variety of hot pepper used can vary based on personal preference, with some people using mild peppers, and others opting for hotter ones. Typically, Turkish Acılı Ezme contains either red or green chili peppers or a combination of both. These peppers are finely chopped and mixed with other ingredients that are typically found in a garden salad, like onions, tomatoes, and parsley.

In addition to hot peppers, Turkish Acılı Ezme also contains a lot of herbs to balance out the flavors. The most commonly used herbs include parsley, coriander, and mint. These herbs provide a refreshing taste and aroma, further enhancing the salsa’s flavor profile. Garlic is another essential ingredient that goes into the recipe, providing a bold and pungent flavor.

To prepare Acılı Ezme, all the vegetables are finely chopped and mixed with the herbs, spices, and other condiments like lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. The mixture is mashed together to create a thick and chunky salsa-like consistency. Once prepared, the dish can be served immediately or chilled for a bit before serving.

Acılı Ezme is typically served as an appetizer with fresh bread, pita or crackers. The dish is a staple of Turkish meze platters, which feature a variety of small dishes served together, as a starter to a larger meal. It is also commonly enjoyed with grilled meats, especially kebabs, which help balance the spiciness of the salsa.

In conclusion, Turkish Acılı Ezme is a delicious and refreshing salsa that is perfect for those who enjoy spicy food. While it is a simple recipe, it is the combination of fresh ingredients that makes it flavorful and unique. Whether as an appetizer or served with grilled meat, it is a must-try dish for anyone looking to explore Turkish cuisine.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium-sized tomatoes
  • 1 medium-sized onion
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 red hot pepper (or more for extra spice)
  • 2-3 tbsp. of pepper paste (you can find this in Turkish or Middle Eastern grocery stores)
  • 2 tbsp. of tomato paste
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 1 tsp. of salt
  • ½ tsp. of ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. of red pepper flakes
  • 2-3 tbsp. of olive oil
  • A handful of fresh parsley leaves (chopped)

Instructions:

  1. Firstly, wash and dice the tomatoes, onion, green bell pepper and red hot pepper (remove the stems and seeds).

  2. Place all of the chopped vegetables in a mixing bowl.

  3. Add in the pepper paste and tomato paste, then mix everything together.

  4. Pour in the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, ground black pepper and red pepper flakes.

  5. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined.

  6. Lastly, add in the chopped parsley and give the salsa one final mix.

  7. Serve the Turkish Acılı Ezme (Spicy Salsa) right away with fresh pita bread, chips or crackers.

Enjoy!