Description
Menemen is a traditional Turkish breakfast dish featuring softly scrambled eggs cooked with ripe tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. This flavorful and slightly saucy dish is seasoned with simple spices and garnished with fresh parsley, making it a comforting and nutritious start to your day. Best served hot with crusty bread, Menemen offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Menemen Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper or Turkish green pepper, chopped
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, finely chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained)
- 4 large eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up gently.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften and become translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the peppers: Stir in the chopped green bell pepper or Turkish green pepper and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes until the peppers soften.
- Add tomatoes: Incorporate the chopped tomatoes, cooking for 5–7 minutes while stirring occasionally until the tomatoes break down into a saucy consistency.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using) over the tomato mixture and stir gently to combine the flavors.
- Cook the eggs: Crack the eggs directly into the tomato mixture. Gently stir to lightly scramble the eggs, carefully incorporating them without fully mixing into the sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the eggs are just set yet still soft and slightly runny.
- Remove from heat and garnish: Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish.
- Serve hot: Plate the Menemen and serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Menemen is traditionally served slightly runny; cook the eggs longer if you prefer them firmer.
- For a heartier dish, add crumbled feta cheese or slices of sucuk (Turkish sausage).
