Description
Menemen is a classic Turkish breakfast dish featuring scrambled eggs cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce with onions and green peppers. This recipe delivers a vibrant, savory meal that’s soft, creamy, and perfect for starting your day with a taste of Turkey. It’s quick to make and can be served garnished with fresh parsley and crusty bread for a traditional touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper or Turkish green pepper, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely diced
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–7 minutes until they soften.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooking for another 5–7 minutes as the tomatoes break down to create a saucy base.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and paprika if using, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Add eggs: Reduce the heat to low and crack the eggs directly into the tomato mixture. Gently stir to combine, allowing the eggs to set slightly before stirring again.
- Cook the eggs: Continue cooking on low heat until the eggs are just set but still creamy—avoid overcooking to keep them soft and slightly runny.
- Serve: Remove from heat and immediately garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread to enjoy this hearty Turkish breakfast.
Notes
- For a traditional texture, avoid over-stirring the eggs; they should remain soft and slightly runny.
- Adding crumbled feta or Turkish white cheese can enrich the flavor and texture.
- Menemen is best enjoyed immediately while warm for optimal taste and creaminess.
