Spicy Soulful Salsa

Ingredients

While the original Acılı ezme is traditionally served as a side dish or appetizer in Turkish cuisine, this adaptation transforms it into a versatile salsa that can be enjoyed with various Soul food dishes. The original recipe often includes ingredients like pomegranate molasses and sumac, which are replaced in this version with lime juice and paprika to align with the flavors of Soul food. Additionally, the original recipe uses parsley, but this adaptation incorporates cilantro for a more vibrant and aromatic profile. We alse have the original recipe for Acılı ezme, so you can check it out.

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.76 lb) 4 ripe tomatoes, diced (800g / 1.76 lb)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped (100g / 3.5 oz) 1 small red onion, finely chopped (100g / 3.5 oz)
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g / 0.5 oz) 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g / 0.5 oz)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (30ml) 2 tablespoons lime juice (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories: 45 kcal / 188 kJ
• Fat: 0.5g (Saturated Fat: 0g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 5g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, jalapeno peppers, green bell pepper, cilantro, and minced garlic.
2. 2.
   Add the lime juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. 3.
   Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy as a dip with tortilla chips or as a condiment for your favorite Soul food dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Jalapeno peppers — Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers according to your desired level of spiciness. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping.
• Cilantro — Make sure to wash the cilantro thoroughly and pat it dry before chopping to remove any dirt or moisture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of chipotle powder or smoked paprika to the salsa.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the ingredients in a food processor instead of chopping them by hand.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more lime juice for extra tanginess or increase the amount of paprika for a spicier kick.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Soulful Salsa in a colorful bowl alongside a platter of tortilla chips for a vibrant appetizer. It also pairs well with classic Soul food dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, or black-eyed peas.

Presentation advice

Garnish the salsa with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a slice of lime to add a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic clay bowl or a vibrant ceramic dish to enhance the visual appeal.