Turkish Menemen

This Turkish Menemen is a flavorful and comforting dish made with scrambled eggs cooked in a rich tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this easy one-pan meal pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping.

Why Everyone Loves Turkish Menemen

Menemen is a simple yet delicious dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of sautéed peppers, tomatoes, and lightly scrambled eggs makes it a hearty and satisfying meal. For more delicious meal ideas, check out Quick & Easy Recipes for Every Home Cook.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 large tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Eggs & Garnishes:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp butter (optional for extra richness)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in bell peppers and garlic, cooking until the peppers soften.
4. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

1. Make small wells in the tomato mixture and crack the eggs into them.
2. Gently stir the eggs into the sauce, scrambling lightly, or leave whole for poached-style eggs.
3. Cover and cook for 3–5 minutes until eggs reach the desired doneness.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh parsley.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread.

How to Serve Turkish Menemen

• Enjoy with warm pita or Turkish bread for dipping.
• Pair with olives, cucumbers, and a side of feta for a complete breakfast.
• Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

How to Store Turkish Menemen

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
• Best enjoyed fresh, as eggs may change texture when reheated.

Tips to Make the Best Turkish Menemen

• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Stir the eggs gently to keep them soft and creamy.
• Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic.

Variations of Turkish Menemen

• Cheesy Menemen: Add shredded mozzarella or kasseri cheese for extra richness.
• Spicy Menemen: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced chili peppers.
• Meaty Menemen: Stir in cooked sausage or pastrami for extra protein.

FAQs About Turkish Menemen

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh tomatoes give a more authentic flavor.

Is Menemen the same as Shakshuka?
No, shakshuka has firmer poached eggs, while menemen has softer scrambled eggs.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best cooked fresh for the perfect egg texture.

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