Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble) Recipe

Introduction

Menemen is a delicious and comforting Turkish egg scramble featuring sautéed vegetables and rich tomatoes. It’s a quick and satisfying breakfast or light meal that’s perfect for sharing. The soft, flavorful eggs combined with vibrant spices make it a delightful dish to enjoy any time of day.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small white onion, finely diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
• Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
• 3-4 eggs
• Optional garnishes: sliced chives or chopped parsley, crumbled feta, sliced avocado

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and diced green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, butter, Aleppo pepper, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the tomatoes are heated through.
3. Step 3: Crack the eggs directly on top of the tomato and vegetable mixture. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Use a spoon to gently break the yolks and partially stir the eggs into the tomato mixture, keeping some swirls intact. Continue cooking until the eggs are just set but still soft, about 3 to 4 minutes total.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately with your choice of garnishes and crusty bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute the green bell pepper with mild red or yellow peppers for a sweeter flavor.
• Adjust the Aleppo pepper amount for your preferred spice level, or use paprika as a milder alternative.
• For a richer texture, add crumbled feta on top just before serving.
• Serve with warmed pita or sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage

Store leftover menemen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the eggs. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the texture may change after refrigeration.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make menemen without Aleppo pepper?

Yes, if you don’t have Aleppo pepper, you can substitute with paprika or a mild chili powder to keep a gentle smoky flavor. Adjust the quantity to your taste.

What can I serve with menemen?

Menemen pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pita, or toasted sourdough. You can also add fresh herbs, feta cheese, or sliced avocado as garnishes to enhance the dish.

Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble) Recipe

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Menemen is a traditional Turkish egg scramble featuring sautéed onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes seasoned with Aleppo pepper, cooked gently with eggs to create a soft, flavorful dish perfect for breakfast or any time of day.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small white onion, finely diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices

Dairy and Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
• fine sea salt, to taste
• freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste

Eggs & Garnishes

• 3–4 eggs
• Optional garnishes: sliced chives or chopped parsley, crumbled feta, sliced avocado

Instructions

1. Sauté the veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and diced green bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and begin to release their aroma.
2. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices along with 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, and a generous pinch of fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly and sauté for another 2 minutes until the tomato mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
3. Add the eggs: Crack 3 to 4 eggs directly onto the tomato mixture without stirring initially. Allow the eggs to cook for about 1 minute. Then use a spoon to gently break the yolks and partially stir the eggs into the tomato mix, creating a swirly effect. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes until the eggs are just barely set yet still soft, which is the traditional texture for menemen.
4. Serve: Immediately transfer the menemen to serving plates. Garnish as desired with sliced chives, chopped parsley, crumbled feta, or sliced avocado. Serve alongside crusty sliced bread for dipping to enjoy the full experience.

Notes

• Use Aleppo pepper for authentic flavor; substitute with mild crushed red pepper flakes if unavailable.
• The eggs should be cooked softly; avoid overcooking to maintain the creamy texture.
• Green bell peppers can be substituted with mild red or yellow peppers for a sweeter taste.
• Menemen is best served fresh and hot with crusty bread on the side.
• You can add a bit of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish to enhance freshness.

Keywords: Menemen, Turkish egg scramble, Turkish breakfast, eggs with tomatoes, Aleppo pepper recipe, vegetarian breakfast