Ezme (Turkish Spicy Tomato and Walnut Relish)

Ezme is a finely chopped Turkish relish of tomato, onion, and walnuts, sharpened with pomegranate molasses and Aleppo pepper. It is served alongside grilled meats or scooped up with warm bread.

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, very finely diced
• 1/2 red onion, very finely diced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
• 1 green chile pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Aleppo pepper, or paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Dice everything finely
   Chop the tomatoes, onion, and chile as finely as possible. This fine texture is what makes ezme distinctive.
2. Combine the vegetables
   In a bowl, mix the tomatoes, onion, walnuts, chile, and parsley.
3. Make the dressing
   Whisk the tomato paste, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, lemon juice, Aleppo pepper, cumin, and salt.
4. Fold together
   Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Rest before serving
   Let the relish sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors meld.

Keeps refrigerated in a sealed container for up to three days.