Recipes for Cooking

Menemen — Turkish Scrambled Eggs Recipe

With tomatoes, peppers, onions and spices

I encountered Menemen in Istanbul when I lived there for a couple of years. Traditional breakfast in Turkey is a social affair with a lot of banter around the dining table.

A variety of delicious dishes are served and you take your time to taste and appreciate each one’s flavors.

A Turkish breakfast consists of olives, honey, tomatoes, cucumber, cheese, cured meats, and yoghurt. In addition, you get a basket filled with white crusty bread. Oh, and don’t forget the Menemen.

I had breakfast next to the Bosporus on a terrace with friends. The waiter placed Menemen on the table. I asked what it was. The reply, “Turkish Scrambled Eggs.” I tied it and it was really yummy.

Menemen is a dish made by sautéing onions, peppers, and tomatoes in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant. Then, eggs are cracked into the mixture and gently cooked until they reach the perfect level of creaminess.

The result is a balanced blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The combination of fresh vegetables and protein-rich eggs makes it a well-balanced meal to kickstart your day.

Tomatoes provide an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Peppers contain antioxidants, Vitamin C, and potassium. The olive oil used in cooking adds healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health.

Menemen is a versatile dish. The classic Turkish version includes onions, peppers, tomatoes, and eggs. However, you can customize your dish to suit your individual taste preferences.

Add some crumbled feta cheese for an extra creamy texture and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or coriander to enhance the dish’s flavors. You can add chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Below is my favorite Menemen recipe.

Ingredients: (makes 2servings) 2 eggs 1 chopped tomato (large) 1 bell pepper (any colour) deseeded, and chopped 1 small onion (chopped) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 garlic clove (minced) 3 tablespoons parsley (chopped) 1 teaspoon sugar Chilli powder (to taste) Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional ingredients: Beyaz peynir (White Cheese, such as Feta), a dollop of creamy thick yoghurt, cumin, and sweet or smoked paprika powder.

Process: 1. Heat a cast iron pan/skillet. Add olive oil, onions and pepper. Fry till translucent in colour and cooked. 2. Add tomatoes, sugar and spices. Cook over medium heat till half of the liquid evaporated. 3. Add the eggs and stir lightly. Cover the cast iron pan/skillet with a lid. Cook till the eggs are beginning to set. They will continue cooking when removed from the heat in the sauce. 4. Serve with thick crust bread, or toast, and creamy Greek yoghurt. Decorate with freshly chopped parsley.

Tips: 1. Try the basic Menemen recipe and if you like the taste, experiment with your own favourite spice combinations. 2. You can make the sauce and add the eggs without scrambling them. See photo below.

3. You can add a dollop of yoghurt or cream. 4. If you don’t like thick sauces add a bit of water before you crack the eggs into the tomato base sauce.

If you liked this story consider buying me a coffee.