Spicy Turkish Tomato and Pepper Salad

Ingredients

• 4 medium tomatoes, finely chopped 4 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, finely chopped 2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
• 2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped 2 jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
• 2 chili peppers, finely chopped 2 chili peppers, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference) 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference)
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped tomatoes, red bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, chili peppers, red onion, garlic, parsley, mint, and cilantro.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the chopped ingredients and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. 5.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled as a salad or as a dip with warm pita bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Remove the seeds before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
• Peppers — Use a combination of mild and hot peppers to achieve the desired level of spiciness. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
• Herbs — Fresh herbs are essential for the authentic taste of Acılı Ezme. Chop them finely to evenly distribute their flavors throughout the salad.
• Lemon juice — Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a tangy and vibrant taste. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
• Red pepper flakes — Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your spice tolerance. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the peppers before chopping.
• Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to intensify the flavors.
• Serve the salad with grilled meats, kebabs, or as a topping for falafel or burgers.
• Experiment with different herbs like dill or basil to add your own twist to the recipe.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the ingredients in a food processor instead of chopping them by hand.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Turkish Tomato and Pepper Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or appetizer. It pairs well with warm pita bread, grilled meats, or as a topping for falafel or burgers. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Spicy Turkish Tomato and Pepper Salad in a vibrant and colorful manner. Use a decorative serving bowl and arrange some fresh herbs on top for an appealing visual presentation. Serve with warm pita bread or a variety of colorful vegetable sticks for dipping.