Description
Authentic menemen brings Turkish breakfast magic straight from Istanbul’s bustling streets, blending ripe tomatoes, green peppers, and perfectly scrambled eggs into a spicy morning celebration. Comfort and boldness dance together in this simple yet irresistible dish you’ll crave from first bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 green peppers (bell pepper, poblano, or Anaheim pepper), finely chopped
- 3 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
Main Protein:
- 4 large eggs
Oils, Seasonings, and Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or substitute)
- Fine sea salt
- Freshly-cracked black pepper
- Sliced chives or chopped parsley (optional)
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Sliced avocado (optional)
- Crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet over medium-low heat, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom smoothly.
- Introduce finely diced onions and vibrant green peppers, allowing them to soften and become translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Cascade ripe tomatoes into the skillet, gently breaking them down and transforming the mixture into a rich, rustic base.
- Enrich the medley with a dollop of butter, sprinkle Aleppo pepper for subtle warmth, then season with salt and black pepper, blending these elements into a harmonious foundation.
- Delicately craft small indentations within the vegetable landscape, then tenderly crack eggs directly into these pockets.
- Monitor the eggs as they cook, occasionally nudging them with a spatula to create a creamy, integrated scramble that retains a soft, luxurious texture.
- Elevate the dish’s visual and flavor profile by scattering fresh chives, verdant parsley, crumbled feta cheese, or creamy avocado across the surface.
- Present the menemen alongside crusty, rustic bread, inviting diners to scoop up the vibrant, herb-flecked egg mixture.
Notes
- Swap out Aleppo pepper with red pepper flakes or paprika for similar warmth if unavailable.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the most vibrant flavor and authentic texture in your menemen.
- Consider adding crumbled sucuk (Turkish sausage) for extra protein and traditional taste if you enjoy meat.
- Customize egg doneness by covering the skillet for softer eggs or cooking longer for firmer scramble consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 450 mg