There’s something about the sizzle of onions in olive oil and the vibrant colors of fresh veggies that transports me right to the heart of a cozy kitchen, where my ultimate comfort dish, a delightful shakshuka, is about to come together.
I love starting my day with Menemen, a flavorful Turkish egg dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. With the rich taste of tomatoes and green bell peppers sautéed in olive oil, combined with soft, scrambled eggs, it provides a delightful balance of protein and healthy fats.
I think the sprinkle of feta cheese and fresh parsley adds a perfect freshness and depth to the dish, while a hint of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle, warming spice. Serve it with crusty bread, and you have a nourishing breakfast or brunch that’s hard to beat.
Turkish Egg Dish Menemen Recipe Ingredients
- Eggs: High in protein, essential vitamins, and healthy fats.
- Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
- Onion: Offers fiber, vitamin C, and adds a sweet, earthy flavor.
- Green Bell Peppers: A source of vitamins A and C with a mild sweetness.
- Tomatoes: Provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and a hint of acidity.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat and enhances metabolism, optional spice.
- Fresh Parsley: Packed with vitamins K and C, offers a fresh, herby taste.
Turkish Egg Dish Menemen Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Feta cheese or crumbled beyaz peynir (optional, for serving)
- Crusty bread, for serving
How to Make this Turkish Egg Dish Menemen Recipe
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped green bell peppers and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
4. Add the peeled and diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
5. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like it spicy, add the red pepper flakes.
6. Use a spoon to make small wells in the tomato mixture and crack an egg into each well.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.
9. If desired, add crumbled feta cheese or beyaz peynir on top.
10. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Turkish Egg Dish Menemen Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet with lid
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
FAQ
- What is menemen?
Menemen is a traditional Turkish egg dish made with eggs, tomatoes, and peppers, often served as a breakfast or lunch. - Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes, you can substitute green bell peppers with other varieties like red, yellow, or even spicy peppers for extra heat. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Menemen is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, you can prepare the vegetable mixture ahead and add the eggs when ready to serve. - How can I peel tomatoes easily?
Score the bottom of each tomato with an X, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins should peel off easily. - Is it necessary to use feta or beyaz peynir?
No, the cheese is optional, but it adds a distinct flavor that pairs well with the dish. - Can this dish be made vegetarian or vegan?
The dish is vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute eggs with tofu or chickpeas and adjust seasonings. - What type of bread goes best with menemen?
Crusty bread like a baguette or a traditional Turkish bread such as simit or pide is perfect for scooping up the saucy eggs.
Turkish Egg Dish Menemen Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- 2 tablespoons olive oil can be substituted with sunflower oil or butter.
- 1 medium onion can be replaced with shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
- 2 green bell peppers can be substituted with red bell peppers or poblano peppers for a different taste.
- 2 medium tomatoes can be replaced with canned diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved.
- Feta cheese or crumbled beyaz peynir can be swapped for goat cheese or ricotta salata.
Pro Tips
1. Perfect Eggs: For perfectly runny yolks, keep a close eye on the eggs as they cook. If your skillet has a glass lid, this will make it easier to monitor. You can also use a spoon to gently baste the top of the eggs with some of the tomato mixture to help them cook evenly.
2. Tomato Peeling Shortcut: To easily peel the tomatoes, score an “X” on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins will slip off easily.
3. Flavor Boost: Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to the tomato mixture can enhance the natural sweetness and deepen the flavor profile.
4. Herb Variation: For a different flavor twist, try adding fresh basil or oregano in addition to the parsley garnish, or substitute one for the other.
5. Bread Prep: For a little extra flair, lightly toast or grill the crusty bread before serving. You can even rub a clove of garlic over the warm bread for added flavor.
Turkish Egg Dish Menemen Recipe
My favorite Turkish Egg Dish Menemen Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet with lid
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 green bell peppers, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Feta cheese or crumbled beyaz peynir (optional, for serving)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the chopped green bell peppers and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
4. Add the peeled and diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
5. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. If you like it spicy, add the red pepper flakes.
6. Use a spoon to make small wells in the tomato mixture and crack an egg into each well.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top.
9. If desired, add crumbled feta cheese or beyaz peynir on top.
10. Serve immediately with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
