Turkish Salad Recipe (Ezme)

Turkish Salad (Ezme) Recipe Summary:

This healthy yet delicious Turkish Gavurdağ Salatasıis very easy to make and ready in just 10 minutes

A vibrant and refreshing salad originating from Turkey.

• Made with finely chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and fresh herbs like parsley.
• Dressed with a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, spices, and sometimes a touch of heat.
• Known for its fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile.
• Versatile side dish, appetizer, or snack.
• Perfect for using up fresh summer produce.

• Requires minimal ingredients and preparation steps.
• No cooking involved, just chopping and mixing.
• Adaptable to personal preferences and dietary restrictions.

• Rooted in Turkish culinary traditions.
• Often served as part of a mezze platter or as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled meats.
• Reflects the use of fresh, local ingredients and simple yet flavorful seasonings.

Ingredients:

Végétales:

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 bunch parsley, diced

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Preparation:

• Wash and clean the vegetables. Dice all the ingredients according to the sizes mentioned.
• In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional), and whisk until well combined.

Mixing:

• In a large serving bowl, add the diced tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, and parsley.
• Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Serving:

• You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 20 minutes before serving.
• Serve with pita bread, crackers, or grilled meat.

Tips:

• If you want a spicier salad, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• For a milder salad, you can omit the red pepper flakes.
• You can also add other vegetables to the salad, such as carrots, different colored bell peppers, or corn.
• To enhance the flavor, you can add pomegranate seeds, walnuts, or white cheese to the salad.

Variations:

Ezme with Walnuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the salad.

Ezme with Pomegranate Seeds: Add 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds to the salad.

Ezme with Cheese: Add 1/4 cup of crumbled white cheese to the salad when serving.

Ezme is a versatile salad that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. It is a great way to use up fresh vegetables and is perfect for summer picnics or barbecues.

Enjoy your meal!