Atom (yoghurt-dressed peppers)

This smoky, creamy Turkish mezze blends fire-charred peppers and chillies with cool, thick yoghurt. A dollop of olive oil and pomegranate molasses rounds out the dish for a perfect balance of heat and tang.

Hasan’s Meze Feast
♦ Deep-fried calamari
♦ Atom (yoghurt-dressed peppers)
♦  Kisir (bulgur wheat salad)
♦  Salatali hummus (hummus with chopped salad)

By Hasan Semay
From Saturday Kitchen
Original recipe from BBC Saturday Kitchen Live.

Yoghurt-dressed charred peppers is a naturally low-calorie, high-protein, and vitamin-rich Turkish dish that fits brilliantly into a balanced vegetarian diet.

Ingredients

For the atom

• 6 red long peppers
• 6 red chillies
• 1 garlic clove
• 450g strained yoghurt
• Sea salt, to taste

To serve (optional)

• Pul biber, to garnish
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses

Method

1. Char the peppers and chillies: Roast directly over a gas flame, hot barbecue, or in a very hot oven until blistered, soft and smoky. They should collapse easily with no oil or seasoning needed.
2. Cool and peel: When soft and charred all over, let them cool slightly, then peel off the skins. Remove seeds and discard. Cut into rough, bite-sized pieces.
3. Drain and mix: Pat the chopped peppers and chillies dry on kitchen paper. In a mixing bowl, combine with sea salt, finely grated garlic, and thick yoghurt. Stir gently but thoroughly.
4. Serve: Spoon onto a serving plate. Top optionally with pul biber, a drizzle of olive oil, and a touch of pomegranate molasses for a balance of heat, richness and acidity.

What can you serve with this

1. Fresh flatbreads: Perfect for scooping and mopping up the dish’s juices and creamy base.
2. Roast aubergines: Their smoky soft flavour matches well with the yoghurt-smoked mix.
3. Feta cheese: A crumbly, salty contrast to the smooth yoghurt base.
4. Herby bulgur salad: Freshens the plate and brings crunch and colour.
5. Cucumber and tomato salad: Classic Turkish pairing to cool and refresh between bites.

FAQs for Atom (yoghurt-dressed peppers)

• Can I use yoghurt straight from the pot? Strained yoghurt or Greek yoghurt works best — it’s thicker and richer.
• Is this dish very spicy? It depends on your chillies. You can adjust the spice level by using milder ones or omitting some.
• How do I char the peppers if I don’t have a gas stove? Use a very hot oven grill or a barbecue instead.
• Can I make Atom in advance? Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Can I substitute pul biber? Use smoked paprika or Aleppo pepper flakes as alternatives.
• What kind of chillies are best? Turkish finger chillies or mild red chillies give the right balance without overwhelming heat.
• What breads go well with Atom? Soft pitta or grilled flatbreads pair nicely and scoop up the mixture well.
• Can I blend the mixture? It’s better left chunky to keep the roasted pepper texture, but blending is fine for a dip.

Nutri-score Health Check

The dish receives a strong Nutri-score of A, demonstrating its health benefits rooted in plant-based ingredients, minimal fat, and protein-rich strained yoghurt.

Positive Factors

• Peppers and chillies – Rich in vitamins A and C, with natural antioxidants and low calories.
• Strained yoghurt – High in calcium and protein, supportive of gut health.
• Olive oil (optional) – Provides heart-healthy fats when used in moderation.

Negative Factors

• None significant – This dish contains minimal saturated fat or sugar.

Nutri-score is estimated based on ingredients and overall nutritional balance. Use as a rough health guide when planning meals.