Name: Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small white onion, finely diced; 1 large green bell pepper, diced; 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper; fine sea salt, to taste; freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste; 3-4 eggs; Sliced chives or chopped parsley; Crumbled feta cheese; Sliced avocado

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Introduction

Menemen is a delicious Turkish egg scramble featuring sautéed vegetables and a rich tomato base. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for breakfast or a light meal, offering a comforting and satisfying experience with every bite.

A white bowl with a black rim holds a colorful stew made of chunky red tomatoes and green bell peppers mixed with scrambled eggs, creating a rich red and yellow base with soft texture. On top, three bright green slices of avocado are neatly layered on one side, sprinkled with black pepper and small green herbs, while a piece of rustic brown bread with visible airy holes is being dipped into the stew by a woman's hand. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small white onion, finely diced
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
3-4 eggs
Optional garnishes: sliced chives or chopped parsley, crumbled feta, sliced avocado

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, butter, Aleppo pepper, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir to combine evenly, then cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes are heated through.
Step 3: Crack the eggs directly onto the tomato mixture. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1 minute. Then, gently break the yolks with a spoon and carefully stir the eggs into the tomato mixture, leaving some streaks for a swirled effect.
Step 4: Continue cooking the eggs until they reach your desired doneness. Traditionally, menemen eggs are cooked until just barely set but still soft, about 3 to 4 minutes in total.
Step 5: Serve the menemen immediately, topped with your favorite garnishes like sliced chives, parsley, crumbled feta, or sliced avocado. Enjoy it with crusty sliced bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

If you can’t find Aleppo pepper, substitute with a mild chili powder or smoked paprika for a slightly different but tasty flavor.
For a richer texture, add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese when stirring in the eggs.
Adjust the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili pepper along with the green bell pepper.
Serve with warm pita or sourdough bread to soak up the delicious tomato and egg mixture.

Storage

Menemen is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the eggs or microwave briefly until warmed through. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the eggs will change.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white bowl with a black rim, containing a colorful mixture of cooked vegetables and eggs. There are three bright green slices of avocado placed neatly on one side of the bowl, lightly seasoned with black pepper. The main part of the dish shows a chunky stew-like texture with visible pieces of red tomatoes and green bell peppers, mixed with scrambled egg bits that add a creamy yellow and white color. Small green chives are scattered on top, adding a touch of freshness, and there is a silver spoon resting in the bowl, partially dipped in the food. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Use about 2 cups of diced ripe tomatoes and cook them down slightly before adding the butter and seasonings for the best flavor.

What type of cheese pairs well with menemen?

Crumbled feta cheese is a classic choice that adds a tangy and creamy contrast. You can also try goat cheese or a mild white cheese like queso fresco for variation.