Turkish Menemen
Enjoy traditional Turkish Menemen, a delicious and flavorful breakfast made with fresh tomatoes, green peppers, eggs, and aromatic seasonings. This easy one-pan dish features soft, creamy eggs cooked in a rich tomato sauce, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve warm with fresh bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 medium tomatoes finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste optional
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and finely chop the tomatoes, green bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the garlic and cook briefly. Add the chopped tomatoes and optional tomato paste.
- Season the Mixture: Add paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and form a rich, slightly thick sauce.
- Add the Eggs: Make small spaces in the tomato mixture and crack the eggs into the skillet. Gently stir the eggs into the vegetables for a soft, scrambled texture.
- Cook Until Ready: Cook for 2–4 minutes, stirring gently, until the eggs are softly set but still creamy. Cook longer if you prefer firmer eggs.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with warm crusty bread.
- Tip: Avoid overcooking the eggs. Traditional Turkish Menemen is best when the eggs remain soft and creamy.