Acılı ezme

Acılı Ezme is a vibrant, spicy vegetable salad and dip that is ubiquitous in Turkish kebab houses and grilled meat restaurants (ocakbaşı). The name roughly translates to 'spicy mashed' dish, referring to the traditional method of preparation where vegetables are finely chopped or mashed together to create a cohesive, salsa-like texture. It acts as an appetizing starter, designed to wake up the palate before the arrival of rich, fatty meats. The core ingredients of Acılı Ezme are ripe tomatoes, green peppers (often spicy), onions, garlic, and parsley. However, the secret to its depth lies in the dressing and seasonings. A mixture of pepper paste (biber salçası), pomegranate molasses (nar ekşisi), olive oil, varying amounts of hot red pepper flakes (pul biber or isot), sumac, and dried mint is massaged into the vegetables. Some variations might include walnuts for crunch or a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. Preparation requires patience and skill with a knife; using a food processor is often frowned upon as it can turn the vegetables into a watery mush. Hand-chopping ensures that each vegetable retains its identity while contributing to the collective flavor profile. The result is a dish that hits every flavor note: sweet from the tomatoes and onions, sour from the pomegranate molasses, savory from the salça, and unmistakably spicy. Served cold, Acılı Ezme is typically eaten with warm, puffy lavash bread or pita. It is not just a condiment but a standalone meze that showcases the freshness of Turkish produce and the mastery of spice balancing.