Thank you for helping us reach 30 million watch minutes in 2022! To celebrate, we are sharing one of our most requested recipes: an irresistible, authentic Turkish-style spread (often called Ezme) that people constantly ask us about.
Achieving the perfect, rustic texture for a delicious spread can be tricky. Food processors often turn the ingredients into a watery purée, losing the satisfying bite of a true meze. In this episode, we share a secret professional technique utilizing a simple kitchen tool—the teapot lid—to mash the finely chopped ingredients, ensuring that authentic, irresistible texture every time. This unique method is fast, simple, and delivers results far superior to standard chopping or blending.
We combine fresh herbs and finely chopped onion with deeply flavored roasted tomatoes and peppers, enhancing the nutrition profile while locking in intense flavor. Balanced with bright sumac, rich pomegranate molasses, and high-quality olive oil, this healthy appetizer is the definition of gourmet dining made accessible. Try this technique today and revolutionize your dip game!
—
⭐️ FULL RECIPE: IRRESISTIBLE MEZE SPREAD ⭐️
INGREDIENTS:
* 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
* 1 bunch Parsley (leaves only, finely chopped)
* 2 medium Roasted Tomatoes (peeled, chopped)
* 6-7 Roasted Hot Peppers (or mild Charleston/Bell peppers)
* 1 clove Garlic (optional)
* 1.5 tsp Sumac Powder (heaping)
* 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (hot or mild)
* 4 tbsp Olive Oil (plus extra for serving)
* 0.5 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
* 1 tbsp Pomegranate Molasses
* 1 tbsp Tomato and Pepper Paste mix
METHOD:
1. Finely chop the onion and parsley, ensuring stems are removed from the parsley.
2. Peel and roughly chop the roasted tomatoes and roasted peppers.
3. Combine all chopped vegetables, garlic (if using), spices (sumac, pepper flakes, salt), 4 tablespoons of olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and paste in a sturdy metal bowl or tray.
4. Using the top or bottom lid of a teapot (or a suitable sturdy mashing tool), aggressively mash the mixture for approximately 5-6 minutes until the desired, homogenous spread texture is achieved. Ensure all larger pieces are broken down.
5. Serve immediately or chill for best flavor. Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving.
Dining and Cooking