Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Made in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Rich & Flavorful: A delicious blend of eggs, tomatoes, and mild peppers.
- Perfect for Sharing: Best served family-style with fresh bread.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper or Turkish green pepper, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 tsp tomato paste (optional)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sliced green pepper, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
- Crack the eggs directly into the pan over the tomato mixture.
- Gently stir with a spoon or spatula, keeping the eggs slightly runny or fully scrambled, depending on preference.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the eggs are just set.
Step 3: Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with warm crusty bread for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Menemen: Add more feta or shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Turkish peppers or extra red pepper flakes.
- Protein Boost: Add pastırma (Turkish cured beef).
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I make Menemen without onions?
Yes! Traditional Menemen can be made with or without onions, depending on personal preference.
What bread pairs best with Menemen?
Fresh Turkish bread (pide), simit, or crusty baguette works best for dipping.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned diced tomatoes can be used, but fresh tomatoes offer the best flavor.
Conclusion
Menemen is a simple yet incredibly flavorful Turkish dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Whether you prefer your eggs runny or fully scrambled, this dish is best enjoyed with warm bread and good company. Try it today for a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine!
Menemen (Turkish Scrambled Eggs)
Menemen is a traditional Turkish scrambled egg dish made with tomatoes, peppers, and aromatic spices. This quick and flavorful breakfast is best served with crusty bread for dipping, making it a staple in Turkish cuisine. Whether you like your eggs soft and runny or fully scrambled, Menemen is a must-try for any breakfast lover!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Turkish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper or Turkish green pepper, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 tsp tomato paste (optional)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sliced green pepper, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
Step 2: Add the Eggs
5. Crack the eggs directly into the pan over the tomato mixture.
6. Gently stir with a spoon or spatula, keeping the eggs slightly runny or fully scrambled, depending on preference.
7. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the eggs are just set.
Step 3: Serve
8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and fresh parsley.
9. Serve immediately with warm crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Cheesy Menemen: Add extra feta or shredded cheese for more creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy Turkish peppers or extra red pepper flakes.
- Protein Boost: Add pastırma (Turkish cured beef).
- Make it Vegan: Replace eggs with tofu scramble for a plant-based version.
- Best Bread Pairing: Serve with fresh Turkish bread (pide), simit, or a crusty baguette.
