Turkish eggs
Turkish eggs, or Menemen, are a hearty dish featuring eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce with onions and garlic, perfect for breakfast or brunch. This simple recipe highlights warm pita bread as the ideal accompaniment for scooping up the flavorful mixture.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp vegetable oil1 onion
1 tsp paprika
2 cans canned tomatoes
4 eggs
4 pita breads
2 garlic cloves
Turkish eggs, also known as 'Menemen,' are a delicious and simple dish that is perfect for breakfast or brunch. This savory recipe combines eggs with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and paprika, all served with warm pita bread. It's a flavor-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends.
Instructions:
- Start by finely chopping the onion.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
- Open the cans of tomatoes and set them aside.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the paprika and cook for about 1 minute, letting the spice bloom and release its flavors.
- Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- Once the tomato sauce has thickened, use a spoon to create four small wells in the sauce, evenly spaced.
- Crack an egg into each well.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny. If you prefer firmer yolks, cook for an additional few minutes.
- While the eggs are cooking, warm the pita breads. You can do this by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or by gently heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Once the eggs are cooked to your preference, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the Turkish eggs hot, directly from the skillet, with the warm pita breads on the side. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Use the pita bread to scoop up the tomatoes and perfectly cooked eggs, enjoying the delicious blend of flavors!
Turkish eggs are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The combination of eggs, tomatoes, and spices creates a rich and satisfying meal. Serve it with warm pita bread for a complete and hearty experience. Enjoy this simple yet delicious recipe with your loved ones!
Turkish eggs FAQ:
Cook the eggs for about 5-7 minutes, covered, until the egg whites are set and the yolks are still runny. For firmer yolks, extend the cooking time by an additional few minutes.
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need about 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the skillet, adjusting cooking time as fresh tomatoes may take longer to soften.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pan over low heat to avoid overcooking the eggs.
Both sweet and smoked paprika work well, depending on your flavor preference. Sweet paprika adds warmth, while smoked paprika imparts a deeper, smoky flavor to the dish.
You can substitute pita bread with flatbreads, naan, or even crusty bread, which will also pair well with the Turkish eggs for scooping.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- You can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili flakes or use spicy paprika.
- Serve the dish immediately while the eggs are still warm and the pita bread is fresh.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 280kcal
Protein 14g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fiber 9g
Sugar 9g
Fat 10g
More recipes
Asparagus and cashew omelet with parmesan cheese
A cheesy asparagus and cashew omelet, perfect for any meal.
15 Dec 2025Cinnamon-spiced big apple pancake
A warm, fluffy apple pancake spiced with cinnamon for brunch.
23 Jan 2026Bacon, pumpkin and feta frittata
A hearty frittata with bacon, pumpkin, and feta cheese.
15 Dec 2025Green eggs with avocado and pistachio pesto
A nutritious scramble of eggs, greens, and pistachio pesto.
25 Jan 2026Turkish spiced lamb mince
Aromatic Turkish spiced lamb mince with couscous and apricots.
26 Nov 2025Buttermilk hotcakes with strawberry butter
Fluffy buttermilk hotcakes topped with homemade strawberry butter.
29 Nov 2025Bacon stuffed avocado baked eggs
Bacon stuffed avocado with baked eggs for a hearty breakfast.
24 Jan 2026Spinach and mozzarella egg bake
A healthy Spinach and Mozzarella Egg Bake, ideal for any meal.
16 Jan 2026